The Israeli passport has gained ground in global rankings, even as the American passport continues its slow decline in international mobility.

The latest Henley & Partners Passport Index, compiled with data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), places Israel in 18th position worldwide, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 168 destinations.

Although this figure is two fewer than in January — due to new restrictions imposed by the Maldives and Mauritania — Israel’s overall ranking has improved by one spot, largely because of changes among other countries’ positions.