India climbs eight spots in Henley Passport Index 2025 to rank 77th: Visa-free access now to 59 countries

India’s Passport Power Rises: Now 59 Countries Without a Visa as Singapore Tops Global Rankings Again

In a significant upward shift, the Indian passport has surged eight positions in the Henley Passport Index 2025, moving from 85th to 77th place — the most dramatic rise of any country in the past six months. Despite adding only two new destinations to its visa-free portfolio, India’s global mobility outlook has markedly improved, reflecting subtle yet meaningful shifts in diplomatic ties and international travel agreements.

Indian Passport Now Allows Access to 59 Countries

According to the latest edition of the Henley Passport Index, released on July 22, 2025, Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations worldwide. Among these are popular Asian tourist hubs such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand, making regional travel more seamless than ever. Other destinations like Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar extend visa-on-arrival (VOA) privileges, further widening the travel horizon for Indian citizens.

What is the Henley Passport Index?

The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports globally, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The ranking is determined by the number of countries a passport holder can visit without a prior visa. Over the years, the index has evolved into a reliable barometer of a nation’s diplomatic reach and travel freedom.

Asia Dominates the Global Rankings

While India’s climb is notable, Asian countries continue to lead the global mobility race. Singapore holds the top spot for the second consecutive time, offering visa-free access to a staggering 193 destinations. This marks the city-state's consolidation of dominance after it ended a multi-country tie at the top in 2024.

Japan and South Korea share second place, each granting their citizens visa-free access to 190 destinations, further solidifying Asia's stronghold in travel freedom.

European Nations Follow Close Behind

The third position is jointly held by a group of seven European Union nations — Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Finland, and Ireland — all offering visa-free travel to 189 countries. This reflects Europe's continuing strength and stability in global mobility rankings.

China’s Silent Climb

While the spotlight often remains on the top ten, China’s steady progress deserves mention. Since 2015, it has moved from 94th to 60th place. This leap is largely attributed to Beijing’s expanding list of visa-free arrangements with countries across South America and the Gulf region, indicating a strategic pivot in China’s foreign policy priorities.

Western Powers Experience a Decline

In contrast, traditionally dominant passports like those of the United States and United Kingdom have seen a dip in influence. The U.S. passport has slipped to 10th place from 9th last year, while the UK has fallen from 5th to 6th position. Experts attribute this decline to a combination of geopolitical tensions, changes in immigration policies, and the broader consequences of isolationist stances in recent years.

Top 10 Strongest Passports in the World (Henley Passport Index 2025)

While the list remains largely Eurocentric, Asia leads the way with three of the top-ranked positions:

1. Singapore
2. Japan
2. South Korea
3. Denmark
3. Finland
3. France
3. Germany
3. Ireland
3. Italy
3. Spain
4. Austria
4. Belgium
4. Luxembourg
4. Netherlands
4. Norway
4. Portugal
4. Sweden
5. Greece
5. New Zealand
5. Switzerland
6. United Kingdom
7. Australia
7. Czechia
7. Hungary
7. Malta
7. Poland
8. Canada
8. Estonia
8. United Arab Emirates
9. Croatia
9. Latvia
9. Slovakia
9. Slovenia
10. Iceland
10. Lithuania
10. United States

Global Disparity in Travel Freedom

At the bottom of the spectrum lies Afghanistan, whose citizens can access just 25 countries without a prior visa. This highlights the staggering global inequality in passport power, with a mobility gap of 168 destinations between the highest- and lowest-ranked countries.

The Passport as a Symbol of Progress

For Indian travellers, this ranking brings both practical benefits and symbolic progress. Though the increase in visa-free destinations is modest, it marks an important shift in how India is perceived on the global stage. Whether it’s for tourism, business, or education, Indian passport holders now have greater access and fewer bureaucratic hurdles than in recent years.

As the world continues to adapt in the post-pandemic era, and as international relations evolve, a passport is no longer a simple document. It is a tangible measure of national prestige — and for India, the latest data shows forward movement.