In 2025, Schengen passports continue to dominate global mobility rankings, but the dynamics within Europe are rapidly evolving. The latest Henley Passport Index and supporting data highlight both rising and falling stars among European nations, illustrating how strategic diplomacy, visa-waiver cooperation, and internal EU cohesion influence global mobility power. This article explores the changing landscape of Schengen passport strength, identifying which countries are rising, which are slipping, and what these shifts reveal about the future of EU and global travel.
The State of Schengen Passports in 2025
According to the Henley Passport Index’s July 2025 release, European passports continue to occupy seven of the top ten positions worldwide. Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain share third place globally with visa-free access to 189 destinations, while Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden follow closely with 188. Greece and Switzerland tie at fifth with 187 destinations.
This dominance underscores Europe’s enduring diplomatic influence and its commitment to open travel frameworks under the Schengen Agreement. However, not every Schengen member has seen consistent gains. Some nations, like Poland and Croatia, have stagnated or declined slightly as global visa reciprocity evolves.
Rising Stars in the Schengen Zone
Finland: Climbing to the Top Tier
Finland has made one of the most impressive ascents in the Schengen rankings over the past two years. Combining transparent governance, a stable economy, and strong international relations, its passport now grants access to 189 destinations, up two from 2024. Finland’s rise has been powered by new reciprocal agreements in Asia and Latin America, driven by Helsinki’s proactive multilateral diplomacy.
Portugal: Gaining Strength Through Global Networks
Portugal continues to expand its mobility score through targeted foreign policy and global partnerships. The government has finalized new visa-exemption deals with Caribbean and African states, pushing its access to 188 destinations. Portugal’s reputation for openness, alongside its Golden Visa program, enhances its global engagement profile, propelling it upward within the Schengen mobility hierarchy.
Czech Republic and Croatia: Rapid Development Momentum
Both the Czech Republic and Croatia have shown gradual improvements. Croatia, a relatively new Schengen member, benefits from reciprocal arrangements fostered through EU alignment and growing recognition among Asian and Middle Eastern nations. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic’s consistent record of democratic governance and trade diplomacy supports its expanded travel privileges, reaching 185 destinations visa-free.
The Declining Giants: Western Europe’s Quiet Slide
France and Germany: Holding Strong, Yet Plateauing
While still among the world’s top passports, France and Germany have reached a plateau in expansion potential. Both nations maintain visa-free access to 189 destinations, but growth has slowed as new opportunities for reciprocal visa deals diminish. Analysts suggest that maintaining their lead will require innovative policy, particularly toward regions like Africa and the Indo-Pacific.
The Netherlands and Belgium: Marginal Declines
The Dutch and Belgian passports, long symbols of mobility freedom, have each slipped marginally in relative standing, primarily due to slower adoption of new bilateral travel accords. Although they maintain access to 188 destinations, shifting global competition and emerging markets have narrowed the gap between mid-ranked and top-tier Schengen members.
Greece: Stability Without Expansion
Greece maintains solid access to 187 destinations, but 2025 marks its first year without measurable progress in its Henley ranking. This static position reflects regional concentration rather than diplomatic decline, signaling a point of stability in its travel diplomacy efforts.
Broader Trends Affecting Schengen Travel Power
1. Asia-Pacific Expansion
Asia-Pacific’s aggressive pursuit of reciprocal visa agreements has intensified global competition. Nations like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea lead with 190–193 visa-free destinations, overtaking several European powers. Their alliances with ASEAN, Gulf, and European countries reveal a strategic model of mobility rooted in bilateral economic partnerships rather than regional frameworks alone.
2. The Rise of the Middle East in Visa Diplomacy
Gulf states have made notable progress in securing new visa agreements. Saudi Arabia, for instance, added four destinations to its visa-free tally in 2025, signaling a shift toward greater openness. These expansions indirectly benefit European citizens by encouraging broader cross-regional mobility deals.
3. The U.S. and U.K. Decline
In stark contrast, the United States and the United Kingdom continue their longer-term decline. The U.K. now ranks sixth globally (186 destinations), while the U.S. has dropped to tenth (182 destinations) — marking America’s weakest position in 20 years. Both nations’ inward migration policies and limited engagement in new bilateral agreements have weakened their travel leverage, especially compared to the Schengen bloc.
Statistical Snapshot: Schengen Passport Mobility Shifts 2024–2025
| Country | Change in Visa-Free Destinations | 2025 Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finland | +2 | 3rd | Rising |
| Portugal | +2 | 4th | Rising |
| Croatia | +1 | 7th | Rising |
| Germany | 0 | 3rd | Stable |
| France | 0 | 3rd | Stable |
| Netherlands | -1 | 4th | Slight Decline |
| Belgium | -1 | 4th | Slight Decline |
| Greece | 0 | 5th | Stable |
| Poland | -1 | 7th | Decline |
| Austria | +1 | 4th | Rising |
Key Drivers Behind the Shifts
Diplomatic Engagement and Reciprocity
Dr. Christian Kälin of Henley & Partners notes that passport strength in 2025 reflects proactive diplomacy rather than historical prestige. Countries that actively negotiate visa waivers and foster economic relations maintain their advantage, while those relying on legacy influence lose ground.
EU Cohesion and External Partnerships
The European Union’s collective approach continues to amplify passport power among Schengen members. However, differences in national visa-agreement momentum cause divergence within the group. Nordic and Iberian nations have leveraged external trade and soft diplomacy to accelerate upward trends, while Western states with saturated agreements face a ceiling effect.
Economic and Soft Power Correlation
Passport strength remains intertwined with soft power metrics such as GDP influence, governance stability, and human development. The Schengen nations’ composite advantage—education, investment, and humanitarian presence—keeps them competitive despite stagnation in mutual visa deals.
Data Insights: The Shifting Global Mobility Map
Over the past decade, the global average for visa-free access has nearly doubled—from 58 destinations in 2006 to 109 in 2025—confirming worldwide liberalization in mobility. The Schengen Zone remains a central contributor, with its citizens benefiting from both intra-European freedom and global outreach programs.
Yet the same period has seen emerging economies close the gap. The UAE, for example, has added 34 destinations in the last ten years, rising from 42nd to 8th place. China has also climbed 34 positions to 60th, reflecting its outreach through bilateral travel liberalization despite lacking Schengen access.
The Future of Schengen Passport Power
Looking ahead, experts foresee further consolidation at the top tier of European passports. Advanced digital border integrations, such as the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS registration, will reinforce Schengen credibility while refining security standards.
However, sustaining leadership will require innovation beyond regional cooperation. European states are advised to pursue strategic global partnerships, engage emerging economies, and modernize travel diplomacy to prevent relative decline against fast-developing nations in Asia and the Gulf.
Conclusion: Europe’s Balancing Act in a Multipolar Mobility Era
The 2025 data presents a clear narrative: Europe still reigns in passport power, but the margin is narrowing. Finland, Portugal, and Austria embody the Schengen success story—leveraging diplomacy, openness, and innovation to climb global ranks. Meanwhile, legacy powers like France and Germany risk stagnation in an increasingly competitive and multipolar mobility landscape.
As Dr. Kälin summarized, global travel freedom is no longer static privilege; it must be earned and renewed. For Schengen nations, the coming years will test whether Europe can adapt its model of integrated mobility to a world defined by shifting alliances, rising regionalism, and the diplomacy of access.
