Once holding the title as the world's most powerful in 2014, the U.S. passport just dropped to a historic low, according to the Henley Passport Index.

On Oct. 14, the U.S. passport fell two spots from its July ranking, tying with Malaysia for 12th place, meaning Americans have visa-free access to 180 out of 227 destinations. Meanwhile, Singapore’s passport – recently ranked the most powerful out of 199 – offers its holders access to 193 destinations.

This is the first time in the index's 20-year history that the U.S. passport hasn't been among the top 10.

"The declining strength of the U.S. 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," said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the Henley Passport Index, in a statement. "Nations that embrace openness and cooperation are surging ahead, while those resting on past privilege are being left behind."

In July, the index reported the U.S. passport to be the second-biggest faller after Venezuela as a quickly changing political landscape impacts immigration and other policies.

Along with the U.S. passport hitting its lowest point on the index ever, Henley & Partners data also found that Americans were the largest demographic of applicants for investment migration programs that provide second citizenships in 2025.

Also called golden visas, these immigration schemes are available in countries like Malta, Greece and Portugal. Foreigners with enough wealth can invest in real estate or the local economy in exchange for a passport.

"In coming years, more Americans will be acquiring additional citizenships in whatever way they can," said Peter J. Spiro, professor at Temple University Law School in Philadelphia in a statement. "Multiple citizenship is being normalized in American society."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US passport weakens to record low as global mobility shifts

Reporting by Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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