India Rises to 77th Spot in Henley Passport Index 2025, Gains Visa-Free Access to 59 Countries

India has made a significant leap in the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing eight positions from 85th to 77th place. This improvement comes after a five-rank drop in the previous edition, despite the addition of only two new visa-free destinations.

Indian Passport Now Allows Visa-Free Access to 59 Countries

According to the latest rankings, Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free to 59 countries. Popular destinations offering visa-free access include Malaysia, the Maldives, and Thailand, while Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Macau, and Myanmar provide visa-on-arrival options.

How the Henley Index Works

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations a passport holder can access without a prior visa. The index serves as a barometer of global mobility and diplomatic strength.

Asia Leads Global Mobility

Asian nations continue to dominate the top of the index. Singapore remains at the pinnacle, offering visa-free travel to 193 countries. Japan and South Korea follow closely with access to 190 destinations.

Seven European countries — Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain — share the third spot with 189 visa-free destinations. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden rank fourth, while New Zealand, Greece, and Switzerland hold the fifth position.

Global Trends and Notable Shifts

• Saudi Arabia recorded the biggest gain in 2025, adding four new visa-free destinations and reaching a total of 91.
• China has risen 34 places since 2015, now ranking 60th, although it still lacks visa-free access to the Schengen Area.
• Afghanistan continues to rank lowest, with only 25 destinations available without a visa.

US and UK Slide Slightly in Rankings

The United States and the United Kingdom dropped one position each. The UK ranks 6th with 186 visa-free destinations, while the US holds 10th place with access to 182. Both countries have previously held the top rank — the UK in 2015 and the US in 2014.

Expert View: Passport Power as Diplomatic Currency

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, emphasized the growing importance of passport strength.

“Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships,” he stated.
He noted a surge in interest from US and UK citizens in alternative citizenship and global mobility, citing geopolitical uncertainty and rising inequality as key drivers.

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