According to the latest Henley Passport Index, Mauritius has been ranked 29th, with access to 148 visa-free countries, while in Africa, it is among the top 3 nations, second only to Seychelles and above South Africa, where it scores 65 percent in terms of visa-free access.
The island has a dynamic economy, offering a slew of attractive tax regimes and a competitive landscape supporting the country’s global stature, and is driving high net worth individuals and families across the globe through its efficient Mauritius Residence by Investment Program.
A press release issued by the Henley Passport Index showcases a major shift with the US, which was once undisputable at the Number One spot in 2014, has fallen down the pecking order to be ranked 12th, tied with Malaysia, having visa-free access to only 180 of 227 destinations globally. The Asia trifecta of Singapore is ranked first, accessing 193 destinations visa-free, followed by South Korea with 190 destinations and Japan with 189 destinations, occupying the top three spots of the index powered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and ranking all the world’s passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a prior visa.
The decline in the US passport with its most recent slum, from 10th to 12th position, is attributed to several factors, such as the loss of visa-free access to Brazil in April due to a lack of reciprocity and being left out of China’s expanding visa-free list, which marked the start of its decline. On the other hand, the UK passport witnessed its lowest-ever position, slipping two places, since July from 6th to 8th, where it once held the top spot in 2014. Moreover, India witnessed a decline, from 85th to 80th, falling five places in the index, offering visa-free travel to 57 countries compared to last year, with visa-free access to 62 destinations.
Chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the Henley Passport Index, Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, commented that these seemingly small changes have had outsized consequences — underscoring just how finely balanced the global mobility landscape has become. “The declining strength of the US passport over the past decade is more than just a reshuffle in rankings — it signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics. Nations that embrace openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind.”
