Outlook Business Desk
India has climbed eight spots in the Henley Passport Index 2025—from 85th to 77th—marking the steepest gain by any nation in the past six months. The jump signals stronger diplomatic ties and improving travel freedom for Indians passport holders.
As per the Henley Passport Index 2025, released on July 22, Indian passport holders now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival (VOA) access to 59 countries. Destinations include Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar, among others—broadening travel options for Indian citizens.
The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It measures how many countries a passport holder can enter without a prior visa, serving as a global benchmark of travel freedom and diplomatic strength.
Singapore tops the Henley Passport Index 2025 for the second year in a row, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow closely with 190, showing Asia’s dominance in global travel freedom.
In 2025, seven European Union countries—Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Finland, and Ireland—share the 3rd spot on the Henley Passport Index. This means that citizens of each of these countries can travel to 189 countries around the world without needing a visa in advance.
China has climbed from 94th place in 2015 to 60th in 2025. This progress reflects Beijing’s growing visa-free pacts, especially with South American and Gulf nations, pointing to a shift in foreign policy strategy.
Once dominant, the United States and United Kingdom have slipped in global mobility rankings. The US now ranks 10th (down from 9th), while the UK has fallen to 6th from 5th. Experts link the fall to geopolitical tensions, tighter immigration rules, and isolationist policies.
Afghanistan ranks lowest, with its citizens able to access only 25 countries without a visa. The stark contrast—168 destinations fewer than top-ranked nations—underscores the deep global disparity in travel freedom.
India’s improved passport rank is more than a travel perk—it reflects growing global recognition. For business, tourism, or study, Indian citizens now face fewer barriers, making the passport a symbol of national advancement.