Cyprus has fallen to 14th place in the prestigious international Henley Passport Index 2025. In 2024, the country held the 12th position, but the updated data show that its visa-free travel opportunities have slightly decreased.
How many countries are now visa-free
The Henley Passport Index evaluates a total of 199 passports based on how many destinations their holders can enter without a visa or with a visa on arrival.
While in 2024, Cypriot citizens could travel freely to 182 countries, in 2025 that number has dropped to 178 destinations. For all other trips, a visa must still be obtained in advance.
It’s important to note that the ranking is dynamic. For example:
- In 2020–2021, Cyprus ranked 15th,
- in 2022 — it rose to 14th,
- in 2023 — temporarily dropped to 16th.
Who leads the 2025 ranking
Asian and European countries continue to dominate the top positions.
- 1st place: Singapore — 193 visa-free destinations
- 2nd place: South Korea — 190 destinations
- 3rd place: Japan — 189 countries
- 4th place: Germany and Italy (tied) — 188 countries
The U.S. falls out of the top 10 for the first time
A notable change this year: for the first time in 20 years, the United States has dropped out of the top 10.
The American passport, which held 1st place in 2014, now ranks 12th, offering visa-free access to 180 out of 227 countries.
What this means for Cyprus
Despite the slight drop, the Cypriot passport remains one of the most powerful in the world for travel and international business.
Access to 178 visa-free countries keeps Cyprus firmly within the global top 15, ahead of many other European nations.
Experts point out that the decline is due to changes in visa policies of certain countries and the current geopolitical climate.
However, in 2025–2026, Cyprus is expected to continue expanding mutual visa-waiver agreements, particularly with Asian and Middle Eastern countries, which could help the island regain — or even improve — its previous ranking.