Washington: The United States passport has fallen out of the world's top 10 most powerful passports for the first time in two decades, according to the latest Henley Passport Index released Tuesday. The US now ranks 12th, tied with Malaysia, granting visa-free access to 180 out of 227 destinations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the top spots are held by Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, with access to 193, 190, and 189 destinations respectively. In 2014, the US passport ranked first, but this year marks its lowest position since the index was launched 20 years ago.

Henley and Partners attributed the decline to a lack of reciprocity, noting that while US citizens can visit 180 countries visa-free, only 46 nationalities can enter the United States without a visa, placing it 77th in the Henley Openness Index. Christian Kaelin, chairman of Henley and Partners, stated that the drop reflects 'a fundamental shift in global mobility and soft power,' with more open and cooperative nations gaining influence over those 'relying on past privileges.'