New Zealand Passport Ranks Sixth Globally in Mobility Index

The New Zealand passport has achieved a prominent position in the global travel landscape, ranking joint sixth in the latest Henley Passport Index. Released in mid-October, the 2025 index reveals that New Zealand citizens can travel to 186 destinations without needing a prior visa. This places New Zealand alongside countries such as Greece, Hungary, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden.

Global Rankings and Openness

The Henley Passport Index evaluates 199 passports and 227 travel destinations to assess global mobility. Despite New Zealand’s strong overall score, it ranks 73rd in openness, sharing this position with Benin, Ghana, and Guyana. This indicates that while New Zealanders can travel freely, only 61 countries offer visa-free access to New Zealand passport holders.

Experts highlight that this trend mirrors patterns observed in other developed nations, including Australia, Canada, and the United States. According to reports, Singapore leads the index, granting its citizens visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea at 190 and Japan at 189. Australia ranks just below New Zealand in seventh place, alongside Czechia, Malta, and Poland, each with 185 destinations accessible.

At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains the lowest-ranked country, allowing access to only 24 destinations, followed by Syria with 26 and Iraq with 29. The United States has experienced a notable drop, falling outside the top ten for the first time, now sharing 12th place with Malaysia, both scoring 180.

Shifting Dynamics in Global Mobility

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and the creator of the index, noted that the decline in the U.S. ranking reflects a significant shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics. He stated, “Nations that embrace openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind.”

Annie Pforzheimer, a senior associate at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, attributed the decline in U.S. passport strength to internal political changes. She remarked, “Even before a second Trump presidency, U.S. policy had turned inward. That isolationist mindset is now being reflected in America’s loss of passport power.”

The United Kingdom also experienced a decline, marking its lowest-ever position at joint eighth with a score of 184. In contrast, China has made significant strides, climbing from 94th place in 2015 to 64th in 2025. Dr. Tim Klatte of Grant Thornton China emphasized that this improvement has notable geopolitical implications, reflecting China’s increasing global engagement.

The Henley Passport Index, released quarterly, serves as a critical benchmark for global mobility and remains a vital indicator of diplomatic relations, international cooperation, and soft power influence. As nations navigate the complexities of global travel, the New Zealand passport’s strong ranking underscores its citizens’ mobility advantages, even as broader trends in openness present challenges.