India’s Passport Power Dips: Ranked 85th in Henley Index 2025, Visa-Free Access Shrinks
In a significant shift in global mobility rankings, India has dropped five places in the Henley Passport Index 2025, landing at the 85th position. The latest data reveals that Indian passport holders now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 57 countries, down from 62 in 2024
The Henley Passport Index, compiled by London-based consultancy Henley & Partners, is a widely respected benchmark that evaluates the strength of passports based on how many destinations their holders can enter without a prior visa. The 2025 edition assesses 199 passports against 227 travel destinations using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Timeline of India’s Passport Ranking
- 2006: India achieved its best-ever ranking at 71st place.
- 2024: Ranked 80th, with visa-free access to 62 countries.
- 2025: Slipped to 85th, now offering access to 57 destinations
This decline reflects tightening border controls and evolving diplomatic relationships, which have impacted travel freedom for Indian citizens.
Global Leaders in Passport Power
While India’s ranking has dipped, other nations continue to dominate the top of the index:
- Singapore retains the top spot with visa-free access to 193 countries.
- South Korea follows with access to 190 destinations.
- Japan ranks third, allowing entry into 189 countries without a visa
European nations such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland also remain in the top five, offering access to over 188 countries.
What This Means for Indian Travellers
The drop in ranking may not immediately affect frequent travelers, but it signals a broader issue of limited global mobility. For Indian citizens, fewer visa-free options mean more paperwork, longer wait times, and increased travel costs.
Travel consultant Riya Malhotra told TheTrendingPeople.com, “We’ve seen a noticeable uptick in visa application inquiries this year. The drop in passport power means travelers need to plan further in advance and be more strategic about their destinations.”
The Visa-Free World for Indian Passport Holders
Despite the decline, Indian passport holders still enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a diverse mix of countries across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. These include:
- Popular vacation spots: Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Indonesia
- Neighboring countries: Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka
- Island escapes: Fiji, Barbados, Seychelles, Micronesia
- Emerging destinations: Kazakhstan, Iran, Rwanda, Ethiopia
Full list of 57 countries available here
Why the Ranking Matters
The Henley Passport Index is more than just a travel guide—it’s a reflection of a country’s diplomatic strength, international trust, and economic ties. A stronger passport often correlates with better global perception and more robust foreign relations.
For India, the drop to 85th place raises questions about its global standing and the effectiveness of its bilateral agreements. It also affects sectors like tourism, education, and business, where ease of travel plays a crucial role.
Government Response and Future Outlook
While there has been no official statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, experts suggest that India could improve its ranking by negotiating more visa waiver agreements and enhancing diplomatic outreach.
Immigration analyst Vivek Sinha commented, “India has the potential to climb the rankings again. It needs to focus on strategic partnerships and mutual visa arrangements, especially with countries in Europe and Latin America.”
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
India’s slip in the Henley Passport Index 2025 is a wake-up call for policymakers and travelers alike. While the country still offers access to a rich tapestry of destinations, the narrowing scope of visa-free travel underscores the need for stronger global engagement.
As international mobility becomes increasingly vital in a connected world, India must prioritize travel freedom as part of its diplomatic and economic strategy. For now, Indian travelers can still explore 57 destinations without a visa—but the journey to reclaim passport power continues.
Stay tuned to TheTrendingPeople.com for updates on global mobility, travel trends, and international rankings.