Henley Passport Index 2025

Source: IE

Context: According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, the Indian passport has jumped eight spots, moving from 85th to 77th rank, now offering visa-free access to 59 countries.

About Henley Passport Index 2025:

• What is it?

• The Henley Passport Index is a global mobility ranking that measures the number of destinations a passport holder can access without a prior visa. It is widely used to assess the travel freedom and diplomatic strength of a country.

• The Henley Passport Index is a global mobility ranking that measures the number of destinations a passport holder can access without a prior visa.

• It is widely used to assess the travel freedom and diplomatic strength of a country.

• Published by:

• The index is compiled by Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm. It is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), supplemented by in-house research.

• The index is compiled by Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm.

• It is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), supplemented by in-house research.

• Criteria Used:

• Passports are ranked by the number of countries accessible without a pre-arranged visa (including visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorizations). 227 destinations are considered in total.

• Passports are ranked by the number of countries accessible without a pre-arranged visa (including visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorizations).

• 227 destinations are considered in total.

• Key Global Trends in 2025 Rankings:

• Top Performers: Singapore ranks 1st with visa-free access to 193 countries. Japan and South Korea share 2nd position with access to 190 destinations. Several European nations—Germany, France, Italy—dominate the top 5. Major Climbers: UAE surged from 42nd to 8th place in a decade. China jumped from 94th to 60th since 2015. Saudi Arabia gained access to 91 destinations, up by 4 in 2025. Lowest Rank: Afghanistan remains at the bottom, offering access to only 25 destinations. Declining Powers: USA fell to 10th place; UK stands at 6th, both losing past top ranks.

• Singapore ranks 1st with visa-free access to 193 countries.

• Japan and South Korea share 2nd position with access to 190 destinations.

• Several European nations—Germany, France, Italy—dominate the top 5.

• Major Climbers: UAE surged from 42nd to 8th place in a decade. China jumped from 94th to 60th since 2015. Saudi Arabia gained access to 91 destinations, up by 4 in 2025.

• UAE surged from 42nd to 8th place in a decade.

• China jumped from 94th to 60th since 2015.

• Saudi Arabia gained access to 91 destinations, up by 4 in 2025.

• Lowest Rank: Afghanistan remains at the bottom, offering access to only 25 destinations.

• Declining Powers: USA fell to 10th place; UK stands at 6th, both losing past top ranks.

• India’s Passport Performance:

• Current Rank: 77th (up from 85th in 2024). Visa-Free Access: 59 countries, including Malaysia, Maldives, Thailand. Visa-on-Arrival: Offered in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Macau, etc. Historical Trend: Lowest: 90th in 2021 Best: 71st in 2006 Improvement Factors: Enhanced bilateral ties, growing economic footprint, and digital visa facilitation.

• Current Rank: 77th (up from 85th in 2024).

• Visa-Free Access: 59 countries, including Malaysia, Maldives, Thailand.

• Visa-on-Arrival: Offered in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Macau, etc.

• Historical Trend: Lowest: 90th in 2021 Best: 71st in 2006

• Lowest: 90th in 2021

• Best: 71st in 2006

• Improvement Factors: Enhanced bilateral ties, growing economic footprint, and digital visa facilitation.