How did India leap 8 spots in the global passport index?
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Synopsis
India has made a remarkable leap in the global passport rankings, climbing eight spots to 77th in the Henley Passport Index. This improvement reflects increased travel freedom for Indian passport holders, showcasing the nation's growing influence in global mobility.
Key Takeaways
- India has climbed eight positions to rank 77th in the Henley Passport Index.
- The country now has visa-free access to 59 nations.
- Asian countries are improving their passport rankings significantly.
- Singapore continues to hold the top position in the index.
- The US has exited the top 10 rankings for the first time.
New Delhi, July 23 (NationPress) India has successfully ascended eight positions to achieve the 77th rank in the latest mid-year update of the Henley Passport Index.
This remarkable achievement marks the largest improvement by any nation over the past six months, as India was previously positioned at 85th.
The Henley Passport Index, based in the UK, evaluates countries based on the travel freedom granted to their citizens through ordinary passports.
With the recent addition of two nations to its visa-on-arrival list, India now enjoys visa-free access to 59 countries.
This ranking illustrates the number of places where passport holders can travel without needing a visa beforehand.
Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, the Maldives, and Thailand provide visa-free access for Indian passport holders, while destinations such as Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar offer visa-on-arrival options.
According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Asian countries are gaining strength in terms of passport power, with rising economies like India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and China approaching traditional leaders such as the US and the UK.
This trend is evident in IATA statistics, which reveal that Asia-Pacific airlines led the global air travel growth by achieving a 9.5% increase in the first five months of 2025, while North America saw stagnant growth.
Singapore continues to hold the top position in the index, providing visa-free access to 193 out of 227 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow closely with access to 190 destinations.
Among the EU nations, seven, including France, Germany, and Italy, share the third position, while New Zealand ranks alongside Greece and Switzerland in fifth place.
Notably, this marks the first occasion that the US has slipped out of the top 10 rankings altogether.
Once occupying the top global positions, both the US and UK have seen a decline, with the UK now in sixth place (access to 186 destinations) and the US in 10th (access to 182 destinations).
The UAE has made significant strides, moving from 42nd to 8th over the past decade while expanding its visa-free options more than any other nation. Additionally, a recent wave of diplomatic visa waivers has propelled China up by 34 positions in a decade, reaching 60th in 2025.
Point of View
I believe India's surge in the Henley Passport Index reflects its diplomatic efforts and growing international stature. This improvement not only enhances travel opportunities for citizens but also showcases the nation's emerging influence in global affairs. It's a testament to India's evolving role on the world stage.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Henley Passport Index?
The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking that evaluates countries based on the travel freedom their ordinary passports provide to citizens, highlighting how many destinations can be accessed without a prior visa.
How many countries can Indians visit without a visa?
As of now, Indian passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to 59 countries, along with additional options for visa-on-arrival.
What factors contribute to a country's passport ranking?
A country's passport ranking is determined by the number of destinations its passport holders can enter without a visa or where they can obtain a visa on arrival.
Which countries are leading in passport power?
Currently, Singapore tops the index with visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea with 190 destinations each.
How has the US passport ranking changed recently?
For the first time, the US has fallen out of the top 10 in the Henley Passport Index, now ranking 10th with access to 182 destinations.
