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India has risen from 85th to 77th in the Henley Passport Index, enabling visa-free travel to 59 destinations. Singapore tops the list with access to 193 destinations.
Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 destinations without a prior visa — two more than in January.
Henley Passport Index 2025: India has made a significant jump in the Henley Passport Index, climbing eight places from 85th to 77th. The remarkable jump came in just six months. Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 destinations without a prior visa — two more than in January, it added.
Asia Dominates Global Mobility
At the top, Singapore continues to lead the global mobility race, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations — the highest of any passport. Japan and South Korea follow closely at second place with access to 190 destinations each.
European and Gulf Nations Also Strong
Seven EU countries — including Germany, France, and Italy — occupy third place with 189 visa-free destinations. Meanwhile, the UAE has made a historic leap over the past decade, rising 34 spots to 8th place, and now offers visa-free access to 183 destinations. Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman have also gained more freedom, particularly due to new visa arrangements with China.
US and UK Slide Down
In contrast, the US and UK have continued their downward trend. Once world leaders in passport strength, they now sit at 10th and 6th places, respectively. The US is at risk of dropping out of the Top 10 altogether.
Looking at the past decade, with so many passports gaining power and rising on the Henley Passport Index, only 16 have fallen in rank. The biggest faller is Venezuela, which plunged 15 places from 30th to 45th, followed the US (down 8 places), Vanuatu (-6 places), the UK (-5 places), and Canada (-4 places).
As emerging economies liberalize their visa regimes and invest in diplomatic capital, legacy powers like the UK and the US appear to be retreating behind more restrictive entry policies, Henley Passport Index 2025 report said.
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More
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