Slide in passport power comes after Brazil imposes reciprocal visa requirement

Last updated: May 11, 2026 | 11:19

US passport has seen a "long-term decline", dropping from 4th place to 10th over the past 20 years, as noted by Henley & Partners. X | @typoCAv2

The US passport — long a symbol of global mobility and influence — could be on the verge of falling out of the world’s top 10 most powerful passports.

This comes amid a "long-term decline", dropping from 4th place to 10th over the past 20 years, as noted by Henley & Partners.

The shift is driven, in part, by recent changes in visa policies, including a requirement imposed by Brazil for American travelers.

Brazil officially reinstated the visitor visa requirement for US passport holders on April 10, 2025 .…