Analysts say the new rankings highlight how Asia-Pacific countries are reshaping global travel trends, gaining both diplomatic leverage and mobility advantages once reserved for the West.
The US passport has fallen to 12th place, overtaken by Asian nations like Singapore. Policy shifts, visa restrictions, and isolationism contributed, while China’s global mobility and diplomatic influence rise sharply.
Discover the top 10 best passports in the world for 2025 according to the Henley Passport Index. Learn where the Indian passport ranks after its significant rise, and explore how Asia and Europe dominate global travel freedom with visa-free access to the most countries.
India has made the biggest leap in the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing eight spots to rank 77th, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries. While India’s passport strength improves, Singapore retains its top position globally, offering visa-free entry to 193 destinations—highlighting Asia’s growing dominance in international travel mobility.
Discover the top 10 most powerful passports of 2025, including Singapore, Japan, and more. Learn how India ranks and which nations offer the best global mobility.
Singapore tops the Henley Passport Index 2025 with access to 195 destinations, while India's passport drops to 85th, offering visa-free access to 57 countries.
Singapore is a magnet for wealth, with a recent influx driven by a crackdown on private enterprise in China and fears over geopolitical tensions.
Japan has topped the list of the world’s most powerful passports for the fifth year in a row.
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, India had access to only 23 countries. But now, Indian passport holders will get visa-free access to these 60 countries.
Countries to which Indians have ‘visa-on-arrival’ access include destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, 21 countries in Africa and only two European countries.
The Indian passport is the third highest issued globally but ranks a lowly 90th in terms of international access. The new ePassport may usher in a change.
Handa said nearly 30 countries offer citizenship- and residence-by-investment programs. Of these, the Portugal, Thailand, Australia and Greece residence programs received the maximum applications from Indians living in India in 2020-21.