This marks one of the lowest positions Vietnam has held in the 20-year history of the HPI, indicating a decline in the power or travel freedom associated with the Vietnamese passport.

In its latest update on October 15, the HPI recorded Vietnam's drop from 84th place in Q3 to 92nd in Q4. Compared to its ranking in 2024, this is a further 2-place decrease. Vietnam’s current position is only slightly better than its all-time lows of 95th in 2021 and 94th in 2015.

As of Q4/2025, Vietnamese passport holders can travel to 50 countries and territories without a visa or with simplified entry methods such as e-visas, visas on arrival, or Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs). These destinations include several ASEAN nations such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Myanmar, as well as island nations like the Maldives, Comoros, Cook Islands, and Cape Verde.

Singapore continues to hold its position as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free or e-visa access to 193 countries and territories. The Republic of Korea and Japan come second and third with access to 190 and 189 destinations without a prior visa, respectively.

The United States and Malaysia share the 12th position, granting their citizens access to 180 countries without requiring a traditional visa. Notably, this is the first time the US passport has fallen out of the global top 10 since the HPI was first launched in 2006.

The Henley Passport Index, published quarterly by Henley & Partners, ranks global passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. It's widely recognised in international mobility and citizenship planning sectors.

Looking for ways to upgrade Vietnamese passports' power

The recent announcement from the Henley & Partners Passport Index shows that Vietnam passport's strength has dropped for the second time in a row since January last year – and is now ranked 91st globally.