New Zealand Passport Ranks Sixth Globally in Mobility Index

The New Zealand passport has been recognised as one of the most powerful in the world, achieving joint sixth place on the latest Henley Passport Index. This ranking, released in mid-October 2023, evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa. New Zealand citizens enjoy visa-free access to 186 destinations, placing the country alongside Greece, Hungary, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden.

The Henley Passport Index analysed 199 different passports and 227 travel destinations to determine global mobility rankings. Despite its strong overall score, New Zealand ranked 73rd in openness, sharing this position with Benin, Ghana, and Guyana. This indicates a disparity where New Zealanders can travel freely to many nations, yet only 61 countries allow visa-free access to New Zealand passport holders in return.

Experts point out that this trend is not unique to New Zealand. Similar patterns are observed in other developed nations, including Australia, Canada, the United States, and Japan. According to reports from 1News, the global ranking is reflective of shifting international relations and reciprocal agreements.

Global Rankings and Mobility Trends

Singapore retained the top position on the index, offering its citizens visa-free access to 193 destinations. Following Singapore are South Korea with 190 and Japan with 189. New Zealand’s immediate neighbour, Australia, ranked just below, sharing seventh place with Czechia, Malta, and Poland, each scoring 185.

At the low end of the index, Afghanistan remains the lowest-ranked country, with access to just 24 destinations, followed closely by Syria at 26 and Iraq at 29.

The United States, once a dominant force in passport strength, fell outside the top ten for the first time, now ranking 12th alongside Malaysia, both scoring 180. This decline is attributed to shifting global travel dynamics and reduced reciprocity. Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the index, noted that the weakening US ranking “signals a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power dynamics.” He emphasised that nations embracing openness are advancing, while those relying on past privileges lag behind.

Implications of Rankings

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

The United Kingdom also saw a drop, reaching its lowest-ever position, now tied for eighth place with a score of 184. Meanwhile, China has made significant strides, climbing from 94th place in 2015 to 64th in 2025. Dr. Tim Klatte of Grant Thornton China indicated that this improvement has “significant geopolitical implications,” reflecting the nation’s increasing global engagement.

The Henley Passport Index is released quarterly and serves as a key benchmark for global mobility. It provides insights into countries’ diplomatic relations, international cooperation, and their soft power influence. As nations continue to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, the implications of these rankings will remain significant for global travel and international relations.