The Henley Passport Index 2025 has been released, highlighting the world’s most powerful passports. India, which ranked 80th in 2024, has dropped five positions to 85th this year. With this ranking, Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free access to 57 destinations worldwide, underscoring a slight decline in global mobility.
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Global Rankings: Top Performers
- Singapore retained its dominance at the top, allowing its citizens visa-free travel to 195 of 227 destinations.
- Japan climbed to the second position, with visa-free access to 193 destinations.
- European Union countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, now share the third spot, falling two places compared to last year.
- Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Norway secured the fourth position.
- Rounding out the top five are Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, and the UK.
India’s Position and Historical Trends
India’s decline in rank reflects a struggle to maintain a competitive edge in global mobility. Since 2006, when India ranked 71st, its passport ranking has fluctuated, hitting a low of 90th in 2021.
Countries with the Weakest Passports
At the bottom of the index are:
- Pakistan and Yemen (103rd) with visa-free access to 33 countries.
- Iraq (31 countries), Syria (27 countries), and Afghanistan (26 countries) complete the list of the least powerful passports.
How the Henley Index Works
The Henley Passport Index evaluates passport strength based on the number of destinations that are accessible visa-free or have minimal requirements, such as visas on arrival or electronic travel authorities (ETAs). The rankings are based on International Air Transport Authority (IATA) data and extensive in-house research.
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What This Means for Indian Travelers
While Indian travelers still enjoy access to 57 destinations without a visa, the drop in ranking underscores the need for stronger international partnerships and visa agreements to improve global mobility in the coming years.