The U.S. passport has fallen to 12th place globally, according to the latest ranking from the Henley Passport Index, which measures travel freedom based on the number of destinations that can be entered without a visa.
For the first time in two decades, the American passport ranks 12th, tied with Malaysia. It was ranked 7th last year and 10th in July, while a decade ago it topped the index.
Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the index, stated in a press release:
"The decline in the strength of the U.S. passport reflects a fundamental shift in global mobility and the dynamics of soft power."
He added, "Countries that embrace openness and cooperation are steadily advancing, while those relying on past privileges are falling behind."