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The Henley Passport Index 2025 reveals significant shifts in global mobility, highlighting increased visa-free access for citizens worldwide. India has made notable progress in the latest rankings, climbing eight places to reach the 77th position, up from 85th in 2024. Indian passport holders can now access 59 countries without a prior visa.

What is the Henley Passport Index?

The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking of passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a visa or with visa-on-arrival. It is compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The index, started in 2006, now covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations.

India’s Passport Performance:

• Current Rank (2025): 77th
• Visa-Free Access: 59 countries
• Previous Rank (2024): 85th
• Lowest Rank: 90th in 2021
• Best Rank: 71st in 2006

India's improved standing reflects enhanced global engagement and evolving diplomatic relations. However, it still trails far behind leading Asian and Western nations in terms of travel freedom.

Top 10 Most Powerful Passports (2025):

1. Singapore – 193 visa-free destinations
2. Japan, South Korea – 190 destinations
3. Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Denmark, Finland – 189 destinations
4. Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Norway – 188 destinations
5. Greece, Switzerland, New Zealand – 187 destinations
6. United Kingdom – 186 destinations
7. Australia, Czechia, Poland, Malta, Hungary – 185 destinations
8. Canada, Estonia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) – 184 destinations
9. Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia – 183 destinations
10. United States, Iceland, Lithuania – 182 destinations

Note: The UAE is the only significant climber in the top 10, jumping from 42nd to 8th over the past decade.

Bottom 10 Least Powerful Passports (2025):

99. Afghanistan – 25 destinations

98. Syria – 27 destinations

97. Iraq – 30 destinations

96. Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia – 32 destinations

95. Libya, Nepal – 38 destinations

94. Bangladesh, Eritrea, Palestinian Territories – 39 destinations

93. North Korea – 40 destinations

92. Sudan – 41 destinations

91. Sri Lanka – 42 destinations

Global Trends in Passport Power:

• The global average of visa-free destinations has risen from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2025, indicating increasing global mobility.
• Asian dominance continues, with Singapore, Japan, and South Korea topping the list.
• European Union countries maintain strong positions, reflecting widespread bilateral agreements.
• The United States and United Kingdom, once top-ranking, have seen a decline in influence. The US ranks 10th (182 destinations), while the UK stands at 6th (186 destinations).
• Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list, with access to just 25 countries, highlighting stark global disparities in travel freedom.

Significance:

• The Henley Passport Index reflects soft power, diplomatic ties, and economic standing of nations.
• India's rising passport strength indicates improved bilateral relations, trade diplomacy, and international mobility.