India’s passport has made notable gains in the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks the world’s most powerful travel documents. The improved ranking reflects a steady rise in the number of destinations Indians can visit without a prior visa or through visa-on-arrival facilities, now exceeding 60 countries.
The Henley Passport Index, which evaluates passports from around 200 countries, shows a shift in global travel privileges. Traditional leaders such as the United States and the United Kingdom have slipped in the rankings. Meanwhile, several Asian nations have emerged as new frontrunners, offering their citizens greater travel freedom.
India’s Current Standing
India currently holds the 77th spot in the 2025 rankings, marking a slight improvement from last year. However, the country still trails 147 nations in terms of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. Historically, India’s highest position on the index was 71st in 2006, according to a Times of India report.
Although the current rank is lower than its peak, the recent upward trend points to gradual improvements in international mobility for Indian citizens, reflecting expanding diplomatic ties and evolving travel agreements.