The Henley Passport Index 2025 has revealed significant shifts in global passport rankings, with India slipping five places to 85th, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 countries. Last year, India was ranked 80th, granting its citizens entry to 62 countries without a prior visa. This decline highlights the growing disparity in global passport mobility and the challenges faced by Indian travelers seeking easier international access.

Singapore retains top position

Singapore continues to hold the distinction of having the most powerful passport in the world, providing visa-free access to 193 countries. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Singapore has topped the index, reflecting the city-state’s robust diplomatic relations and its emphasis on travel facilitation.

South Korea ranks second, with access to 190 countries, followed closely by Japan in third with 189 countries. These Asian nations maintain strong international travel networks, benefiting their citizens with unparalleled mobility freedom.

European nations dominate upper ranks

European countries occupy several positions in the top tiers of the Henley Passport Index. Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland are tied at fourth place, offering visa-free travel to 188 countries. Fifth place is shared by Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands, each granting access to 187 destinations.

Countries ranked sixth include Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden, while Australia, Czechia, Malta, and Poland share the seventh rank. Eighth place is occupied by Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, each allowing visa-free entry to 184 countries. Canada is ninth with 183 countries, and Latvia and Liechtenstein make up the top ten with 182 nations.

United States falls out of top 10

In a notable development, the United States along with Malaysia has slipped to 12th place, with visa-free access to 180 countries, marking the first time the US has fallen out of the top ten. Previously, the US held seventh position, underscoring a shift in global travel power dynamics.

India’s passport details

India shares the 85th rank with Mauritania in 2025. Indian passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to select countries including Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Burundi, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Among neighboring nations, Pakistan ranks 103rd with access to 31 countries, Bangladesh is 100th with 38 destinations, Nepal holds 101st place with 36 countries, Bhutan ranks 92nd with access to 50 countries, and Sri Lanka is 98th with 41 nations. Afghanistan remains the country with the weakest passport globally, allowing entry to only 24 countries, followed by Syria with 26 and Iraq with 29 destinations.

About the Henley Passport Index

The Henley Passport Index was launched in 2005 as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index and has evolved to its current form in January 2018. The index ranks countries based on the mobility freedom their ordinary passports grant. By analyzing international visa policies and agreements, it provides a comprehensive global benchmark for passport strength, helping travelers, policymakers, and researchers understand travel access patterns worldwide.

Implications for Indian travelers

The decline of India in the Henley Passport Index reflects international travel constraints that Indian citizens face. With visa-free access limited to 57 countries, Indian travelers often encounter complex visa application processes, additional fees, and longer processing times compared to citizens of higher-ranked countries. This affects tourism, business travel, and international collaboration.

At the same time, the strengthening of Singapore, South Korea, and Japan indicates how diplomatic ties, economic partnerships, and international trust contribute to enhanced mobility. Countries with strong global engagement enjoy significantly better access for their citizens, highlighting the importance of foreign policy and bilateral agreements in passport rankings.

Global trends

The Henley Passport Index reveals global trends in mobility, with European countries dominating the top ranks and some traditional powerhouses like the United States slipping. The index also illustrates regional disparities, showing that South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, lag behind in terms of visa-free travel opportunities.

For Indian citizens, the index underscores the need for enhanced international agreements and potential improvements in passport strength. It also emphasizes the growing value of global mobility in an interconnected world, where travel freedom directly affects economic opportunities, tourism, education, and employment abroad.

Conclusion

In 2025, the Henley Passport Index paints a clear picture of the world’s most powerful passports and the challenges facing Indian travelers. While Singapore continues to dominate with visa-free access to 193 countries, India has slipped to 85th, highlighting limitations in mobility freedom. Neighboring countries show varied performance, with Afghanistan remaining the lowest in the global ranking.

As global travel continues to expand, improving India’s passport strength through diplomatic initiatives, bilateral agreements, and strategic international partnerships will be essential to enhance mobility for its citizens. Until then, Indian travelers must navigate visa applications, travel restrictions, and limited access, while enjoying the growing connectivity that modern air travel offers.

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