The US passport ranks 10th now, and these are the trips that actually got harder

Visas & Entry Singapore opens 192 countries visa-free. The US opens 179, after losing seven in a year. What changed for American travellers, and where is still… By Bishnu Adhikari · Sep 20, 2026 Read the full story

The American passport is 10th in the world, with visa-free access to 179 destinations, and it lost seven of them in a single year. Singapore sits first on 192. Japan and South Korea share second on 188. In 2006 the United States was joint first; it is now… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Where the American passport sits

Tenth, and the gap at the top is now 13 destinations. The index counts the places a passport can enter without arranging a visa first. Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

What actually changed

The clearest loss is Brazil, and it is about reciprocity rather than politics. Since 10 April 2025, American, Canadian and Australian passport holders have needed a visa for Brazil again, because Brazil asked those countries to drop visa requirements for… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Does the ranking matter, really?

Only as a proxy for paperwork, cost and lead time. Nobody is refused a holiday because their passport is tenth rather than first. What the ranking measures is how often you must apply for something before you go, and each application is a fee, a form and a… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Where it is still simple for Americans

Nepal is one of the easy ones, and it stayed easy. A US passport gets a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport: fill in the form, pay the fee, walk through. It costs US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 and US$125 for 90, and there is nothing to arrange before you… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

How many countries can Americans visit without a visa?

179, according to the Henley Passport Index for January 2026, which puts the United States 10th in the world. Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Do Americans need a visa for Brazil?

Yes. Since 10 April 2025 US passport holders need a visa again, applied for online. It costs US$80.90 and is valid for ten years with multiple entries, up to 90 days a year. Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Do Americans need a visa for Nepal?

Not in advance. Nepal issues a visa on arrival to US passport holders, at US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days or US$125 for 90 days. Sources: Henley & Partners, Henley Passport Index press release, 13 January 2026; CNN and Forbes reporting on the July 2026… Travel Himalaya Nepal · News Read the full story

Everest Base Camp Trek — 14 Days

Plan your trek NMA-certified guides · permits sorted · 5,000+ treks since 1998. $1850 pp Plan this trek

Get the free Nepal Trek Insider Guide

Free guide Permits, costs, seasons and routes — the essentials we send every traveller, plus a free, no-obligation trip quote. ↑ Swipe up Read the full report and grab the free Nepal Trek Insider Guide — or ask our Pokhara team for a tailored, no-obligation quote. Read more & get the free guide Plan my trip — free quote Browse Everest Base Camp Trek — 14 Days