Why The Malaysian Passport is So Powerful & Strong: Ranked 2nd in Southeast Asia, 12th Globally

For those interested in travel, there is exciting news for Malaysians: the Malaysian passport has been ranked as the 12th most powerful in the world and the 2nd strongest in Southeast Asia. This ranking was revealed in the Global Passport Ranking 2025, recently published by Henley & Partners on 8 Jan 2025. For travellers, this recognition signifies greater access to international destinations without the need for extensive visa processes.

This ranking highlights global mobility. Malaysian passport holders can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 destinations worldwide, opening up countless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Southeast Asia rankings: Regional leaders

In Southeast Asia, Malaysia secures the second position, just behind Singapore, which continues to dominate as the world’s most powerful passport for the second consecutive year. Singaporeans benefit from visa-free travel to an impressive 195 destinations, setting a global benchmark for passport strength.

Image credit: Diversity Studio via Canva Pro

Also read: Why Singapore Should Be Top of the List for Your Next Family Vacation

Other Southeast Asian countries have also earned notable rankings:

1. Singapore: 1st globally, visa-free access to 195 destinations.

2. Malaysia: 12th globally, visa-free access to 183 destinations.

3. Brunei: 20th globally, visa-free access to 166 destinations.

4. Timor-Leste: 51st globally, visa-free access to 97 destinations.

5. Thailand: 61st globally, visa-free access to 82 destinations.

Malaysia’s passport strength places it among the top performers in the region, demonstrating its growing influence and connectivity.

Global highlights: Top performers

Globally, Singapore maintains its top position, offering its citizens visa-free access to an astounding 195 destinations. This impressive achievement underscores Singapore’s dominance in global mobility. Following closely, Japan secures the second spot, granting its citizens visa-free entry to 193 destinations. Several European nations, along with South Korea and Finland, share the third position, offering access to 192 destinations.

Other high-ranking nations also stand out for their passport strength. Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway collectively occupy the fourth position, reflecting their robust international connectivity. Meanwhile, Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom share the fifth spot globally, further showcasing the advantages their citizens enjoy in terms of seamless international travel.

These rankings highlight the significant mobility and privileges associated with possessing a strong passport. Citizens from these top-performing countries benefit immensely from the ease of travel, reduced visa requirements, and increased opportunities for global exploration.

The importance of passport strength

The power of a passport is crucial for travellers, as it determines the ease of international movement. A strong passport minimises the need for time-consuming visa applications, reduces costs, and eliminates potential visa rejections. It offers the freedom to plan trips spontaneously and experience the world without bureaucratic hurdles.

The Henley Passport Index, headquartered in London, relies on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to rank passports. Covering 227 destinations worldwide, it serves as a reliable resource for governments, organisations, and travellers to understand global mobility trends.

Malaysia’s standout performance

Image credit: Rifka Hayati via Canva Pro

Also read: Why Malaysia is Crowned as Asia's Top Safest Destination For Travellers in 2025

Malaysia’s 12th-place global ranking highlights the country’s strong diplomatic relations and commitment to fostering international connectivity. With access to 183 destinations, Malaysian passport holders enjoy significant global mobility and belong to an exclusive group of travellers with extensive travel privileges.

This ranking reflects Malaysia’s growing prominence on the global stage, enabling its citizens to explore a wide range of destinations. From Europe to neighbouring ASEAN countries and the Americas, Malaysian passport holders have diverse options for travel.

Future prospects for Malaysian travellers

With a highly ranked passport, Malaysian travellers have unprecedented opportunities to explore the world. Destinations such as Japan, the United Kingdom, and South Korea are accessible without visas, along with regional favourites like Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.

As Malaysia continues to strengthen its global ties, there is potential for its passport ranking to improve further in the future. For now, Malaysians can take pride in possessing one of the world’s most powerful travel documents and enjoy the freedom it offers.

The question remains: where will Malaysian travellers go next?