India’s passport has slipped to 85th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, a decline from its 80th rank last year, reflecting a reduction in visa-free access for Indian citizens. As of 2025, Indian passport holders can travel without a visa to 57 countries, down from 59 in 2024, signaling a modest but notable decline in global travel mobility for India.

The Henley Passport Index, widely regarded as the authoritative global ranking of passport strength, assesses countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can access without a prior visa. Originally launched in 2005 as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index, the ranking was updated and renamed the Henley Passport Index in January 2018. It draws on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and evaluates travel freedom for ordinary passport holders worldwide.

Global Trends and Asia’s Rising Dominance

Asia continues to assert its influence in global travel rankings, with Singapore topping the index in 2025. Singaporean passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations, securing the number one spot. South Korea and Japan follow closely, underscoring the increasing travel mobility afforded to citizens of Asia’s leading economies.

European nations continue to dominate the top echelons of the index, benefiting from stable diplomacy, open borders, and long-standing participation in travel agreements. Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland are among the top 10 countries, consistently offering their citizens extensive visa-free access. Interestingly, 2025 marks the first year that the United States has failed to make the top 10, reflecting shifting dynamics in global travel access.

India’s Passport Performance and Regional Comparisons

India’s passport has experienced fluctuations over the past two decades. Its highest ranking was 71st in 2006, while the lowest position was 90th in 2021. The current drop to 85th underscores a slow erosion in travel freedom relative to other nations.

Indian citizens currently enjoy visa-free entry to 12 countries, including Bhutan, Indonesia, Mauritius, Nepal, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, they can obtain a visa on arrival in 27 nations. Popular destinations include Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Jordan, Qatar, Bolivia, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Samoa, Tanzania, and Timor-Leste. Despite the availability of these options, overall mobility for Indian passport holders remains moderate in comparison to global leaders.

In the South Asian context, India’s passport remains stronger than some neighbors but weaker than others. Bhutan ranks 92nd, allowing access to 50 countries visa-free. Nepal is placed at 101st, with access to 36 nations, while Pakistan lags behind at 103rd, with its citizens able to travel to only 31 countries without prior visa arrangements. Bangladesh occupies the 100th position with visa-free access to 38 countries. These rankings highlight regional disparities in travel freedom, influenced by diplomatic relations and bilateral agreements.

Global Perspective: The Least Powerful Passports

At the lower end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains the world’s least powerful passport, granting access to just 24 countries without a visa. Syria and Iraq follow closely, with visa-free access to 26 and 29 nations, respectively. These limitations are largely the result of ongoing political instability, international sanctions, and limited diplomatic engagement.

Implications for Indian Citizens

The drop in India’s ranking has implications for business travellers, students, tourists, and professionals seeking international mobility. A weaker passport affects ease of access, planning flexibility, and overall convenience when engaging in global travel. It also underscores the importance of diplomatic efforts and international agreements that expand travel freedom for citizens.

Conclusion

While India continues to make strides in global diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange, its passport mobility remains constrained relative to top-ranking countries. Visa-free access to 57 destinations provides moderate convenience, but Indian travellers often face additional administrative requirements and pre-travel approvals compared to citizens of nations at the top of the Henley Passport Index.

The 2025 rankings highlight broader global trends: Asia’s growing influence in international travel, Europe’s consistent dominance, and shifting access privileges for traditional powerhouses like the United States. For India, incremental improvements in diplomacy, bilateral agreements, and global engagement will be key to enhancing passport strength in the coming years.