In the 2025 Henley Passport Index, India’s passport has seen a decline, securing the 85th position and providing visa-free access to 57 countries, a decrease from last year’s 59 destinations.
Singapore has claimed the top spot, offering its citizens access to an impressive 193 destinations worldwide. This achievement, along with strong showings from South Korea and Japan, underscores Asia’s increasing influence in global travel mobility.
European countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland continue to be recognized among the top passports globally, a testament to their established diplomatic relations and open travel policies.
Notably, the United States has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in the index’s history.
Understanding the Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index is a comprehensive global ranking that evaluates countries based on the travel freedom their citizens enjoy with their ordinary passports. Initially launched in 2005 as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index, it was rebranded as the Henley Passport Index in 2018.
- The index ranks countries based on the number of destinations their passport holders can access without a prior visa.
- It was first introduced in 2005 and later updated to its current form in January 2018.
India’s Passport Standing
According to Henley & Partners, India’s passport has slipped to 85th place in the 2025 index, marking a five-spot drop from the previous year when it was ranked 80th.
Historically, India’s passport ranking has seen considerable fluctuation, reaching a high of 71st in 2006 and a low of 90th in 2021. Currently, Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to 57 countries, a reduction from the 59 destinations available last year.
Key Destinations for Indian Passport Holders
- Indians currently have visa-free entry to 12 specific destinations, including Bhutan, Indonesia, Mauritius, Nepal, and Trinidad and Tobago.
- Furthermore, Indian citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival in 27 countries.
- Popular destinations for visa-on-arrival include Sri Lanka, Maldives, Jordan, and Qatar, alongside Bolivia, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Samoa, Tanzania, and Timor-Leste. Overall, the passport’s mobility remains moderate.
Comparison with Neighboring Countries
Neighboring Pakistan is ranked 103rd, with its citizens able to travel visa-free to 31 destinations. Bangladesh ranks 100th, offering access to 38 visa-free countries, while Nepal is positioned at 101st, providing visa-free entry to 36 nations.
Bhutan’s passport ranks 92nd, granting its citizens access to 50 visa-free destinations, indicating a relatively stronger position compared to its South Asian neighbors.
Global Passport Power: The Lower Ranks
At the lower end of the 2025 index, Afghanistan’s passport is identified as the weakest globally, offering visa-free access to only 24 destinations. Syria and Iraq follow closely, with visa-free access to 26 and 29 countries, respectively.