The passports of Australia and Greece have retained their strong global standing, tying for sixth place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index rankings. Meanwhile, Cyprus has dropped to 14th, falling from 12th place in 2024.

The Henley Passport Index evaluates the strength of passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without requiring a prior visa. Compiled for over two decades, the index leverages data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the research team at Henley & Partners, a London-based immigration and investment consultancy.

https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index/ranking

Top passports for 2025

Singapore leads the index for 2025, offering visa-free access to a record 195 destinations. Japan ranks second with 193 destinations, followed by a seven-country tie for third place—including Finland, Germany, and Italy—with access to 192 destinations.

Australia and Greece, with 189 destinations, share sixth place. Cyprus, with 179 visa-free destinations, ranks 14th.

Australian passport: The most expensive

Australia’s passport remains the priciest globally, costing $412 AUD for a 10-year validity. This is a $14 increase from last year. Five-year passports for children and seniors cost $208 AUD.

In comparison, the Mexican passport, ranked 23rd, costs $353.90 AUD, while US and New Zealand passports are priced at $252.72 AUD and $193.72 AUD, respectively.

In stark contrast, Singapore’s passport costs $82 AUD, despite being ranked the most powerful, and Japan’s passport costs approximately $162 AUD.

Least powerful passports

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Afghanistan ranks last with access to just 26 destinations, creating the largest “mobility gap” in the index’s 19-year history. Syria and Yemen follow with access to 27 and 33 destinations, respectively.

Global trends and changes

Passports from the United Kingdom and the United States are among the biggest “losers” over the past decade. The US passport fell from second place in 2015 to ninth in 2025, while the UK dropped from the top spot to fifth.

Conversely, China saw significant improvement, climbing from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025, with visa-free access increasing by 40 destinations during this period.

Upcoming travel requirements

The introduction of digital travel systems in 2025, including the UK’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and the European Union’s ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), will reshape global travel.

Australian passport holders planning short-term visits to the UK must apply for an ETA, costing approximately AUD 20. From May 2025, Australians traveling to the EU will also need an ETIAS permit, costing around AUD 11.50, for entry into Schengen Area countries, including Greece and Cyprus.

Greek and Cypriot passport holders, as well as dual citizens with the requisite documents, will be exempt from the ETIAS requirement.