India’s passport has witnessed a significant improvement in the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing eight spots from 85th to 77th place. It comes after a drop of five positions last year, marking a strong rebound in India’s global travel mobility.
According to the index, Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries, up from 57 previously. Among the visa-free destinations for Indian travelers are Malaysia, Indonesia, the Maldives, and Thailand. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Macau offer visa-on-arrival options.
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports globally based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. Though India’s increase in visa-free destinations is modest, the climb in ranking reflects shifts in global passport strength and visa policies.Global Passport Rankings: Asia Leads
New Zealand, Greece, and Switzerland tie in fifth place, while the UK and the US have both slipped slightly, ranking 6th and 10th, respectively. The UK offers access to 186 destinations, while US citizens can travel to 182 without a visa.
At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan ranks last, with its citizens having visa-free access to just 25 destinations.
Notable Movers: China and Saudi Arabia
China has seen one of the most dramatic improvements, jumping 34 places since 2015 — from 94th to 60th — despite lacking visa-free access to the Schengen Area. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has added four new destinations since January, bringing its visa-free total to 91.
Changing Global Landscape
Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, emphasized the growing importance of global mobility:”Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic reach and global standing. In an age of rising inequality and geopolitical uncertainty, citizenship planning and strategic mobility have never been more vital.”
Steffen also noted that Americans and Britons are now leading the global demand for alternative citizenship and residency options, driven by increasingly restrictive domestic policies and a desire for greater global access.
As India continues to strengthen its diplomatic relationships and expand global partnerships, its improving passport ranking is expected to offer more travel freedom to its citizens in the coming years.