Henley Passport Index 2025: India Rises to 77th Rank, Singapore Tops the List Again

In a significant boost to its global mobility score, India has jumped eight places to rank 77th in the latest Henley Passport Index 2025, up from 85th in 2024. The index, which ranks the world’s passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, places Singapore once again at the top with visa-free access to 193 countries.

Henley Passport Index 2025

Henley Passport Index 2025 ranks India at 77th position, marking an impressive jump from 85th in 2024. Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries, including the newly added Philippines and Sri Lanka. The index, compiled by Henley & Partners using IATA data, measures global travel freedom. Singapore tops the 2025 list, offering access to 193 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea at second place. The U.S. and U.K. passports have declined in power, ranking 10th and 6th, respectively. The index highlights global mobility trends and the growing diplomatic strength of Asian nations.

What is the Henley Passport Index?

The Henley Passport Index, compiled by global citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners, is a widely recognized ranking of the world’s passports. It is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is updated quarterly.

The index reflects the number of countries a passport holder can travel to visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival, offering insight into a nation’s diplomatic relations, travel freedom, and international standing.

India’s Passport Ranking in 2025

India’s passport has seen a remarkable rise, now ranked 77th, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations. Although the increase in the number of accessible countries is marginal (from 57 in 2024 to 59 in 2025), the jump in rank reflects changing global dynamics and India’s strengthening diplomatic relationships.

New Additions in 2025:

• Philippines

• Sri Lanka

These nations now allow Indian citizens visa-free entry, significantly enhancing travel opportunities in the Southeast Asian region.

Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access for Indian Passport Holders (2025)

Indian citizens can now travel to the following 59 countries without a prior visa:

Asia (19)

Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Cambodia (VOA), Laos (VOA), Iran (VOA), Jordan (VOA), Kazakhstan, Macao (VOA), Mongolia, Myanmar (VOA), Timor-Leste (VOA), Qatar, Palestine

Africa (21)

Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar (VOA), Mauritius, Mozambique (VOA), Rwanda, Seychelles (VOA), Senegal, Somalia (VOA), Ethiopia (VOA), Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone (VOA), Comoros (VOA), Burundi (VOA), Angola, Namibia, Cape Verde (VOA), Guinea-Bissau (VOA), Djibouti (VOA), Malawi (VOA), Togo (VOA)

Oceania (10)

Fiji, Micronesia, Vanuatu, Tuvalu (VOA), Samoa (VOA), Palau Islands (VOA), Cook Islands, Kiribati, Niue, Marshall Islands (VOA)

Caribbean & North America (8)

Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Haiti, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

South America (1)

Bolivia (VOA)

Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in 2025

Countries with Lowest Ranking

At the bottom of the 2025 Index are countries with the least travel freedom:

• Afghanistan – 25 destinations

• Syria – 27 destinations

• Iraq – 30 destinations

These nations reflect limited global mobility due to conflict, instability, and poor diplomatic ties.

Other Notable Highlights

• Saudi Arabia made the biggest leap this year, gaining access to 91 countries.

• China has risen significantly over the past decade, now ranked 60th, up from 94th in 2015.

• US and UK have both dropped in rankings due to slow diplomatic momentum and fewer bilateral agreements.

Why Passport Strength Matters

According to Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners: Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it reflects your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships.

In an increasingly connected world, passport strength is a critical metric of national power, soft diplomacy, and international trust. Rising rankings also indicate a country’s progress in global relations, economic influence, and strategic alliances.

Conclusion

The Henley Passport Index 2025 paints a picture of a world in flux, where Asian countries are rising, traditional Western powers are stabilizing or declining, and countries like India are increasingly making their mark. As Indian passport holders gain access to more countries, the upward trend signals growing international cooperation and better bilateral relations.

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