bbc.com
Vietnam Passport Ranking Drops to 91st Globally
Vietnam's passport ranks 91st globally in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, down four places from 2024, granting visa-free or e-visa access to 51 destinations; this is Vietnam's third low ranking since 2005.
- What is Vietnam's global passport ranking, and what are the immediate implications for its citizens?
- The Henley Passport Index ranks Vietnam's passport 91st globally in 2025, a four-place drop from 2024. Vietnamese citizens can access 51 destinations visa-free or with e-visas, compared to 199 total destinations. This is Vietnam's third ranking below 90th since 2005.
- How does Vietnam's passport ranking compare to its Southeast Asian neighbors, and what factors contribute to this difference?
- Vietnam's lower ranking, compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors like Cambodia (89th), reflects challenges in visa reciprocity. Despite efforts to increase visa-free access for foreign tourists, including a new e-visa policy in 2023, Vietnam's passport holders face difficulties obtaining visas for developed nations.
- What are the long-term economic and diplomatic consequences of Vietnam's relatively low passport ranking, and what steps could the government take to address this issue?
- Vietnam's relatively weak passport power may hinder its economic and diplomatic goals. While the government actively seeks visa simplifications with partner countries, the persistent visa challenges faced by Vietnamese citizens highlight the need for stronger diplomatic efforts and reciprocal agreements to improve passport ranking.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening sentences highlight Vietnam's lower ranking compared to previous years and Cambodia, immediately setting a negative tone. The article primarily focuses on the challenges and difficulties faced by Vietnamese passport holders, rather than presenting a balanced overview of both positive developments and shortcomings. The emphasis on the decrease in ranking frames the issue negatively, potentially overshadowing other relevant aspects.
Language Bias
The article uses fairly neutral language, although terms like "quyền lực" (power) in the headline and throughout the article could be considered somewhat loaded. While not inherently biased, it implies a certain hierarchy and value judgment associated with passport power. A more neutral term might be "ranking" or "standing.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on Vietnam's passport ranking and its implications, but omits discussion of the methodology used by the Henley Passport Index. It also doesn't explore potential socioeconomic factors contributing to the ranking, such as the country's diplomatic relationships or its economic standing. While acknowledging space constraints is important, this omission limits the analysis's depth and prevents a more nuanced understanding of the issue.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view by focusing primarily on the negative aspect of Vietnam's lower ranking compared to other countries, particularly Cambodia. While acknowledging some positive steps Vietnam has taken to improve its visa policy, it doesn't explore the complexities and challenges involved in improving a country's passport ranking. This presents a somewhat narrow, eitheor perspective.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights that Vietnam's passport ranking has dropped to 91st globally, indicating that Vietnamese citizens face more barriers to international travel compared to citizens of other countries. This can exacerbate existing inequalities by limiting opportunities for education, employment, and cultural exchange for Vietnamese citizens.