Henley Passport Index 2025

India's passport has dropped to the 85th rank in the Henley Passport Index 2025, falling five places compared to the previous year..

About the Henley Passport Index:

The Henley Passport Index is a globally recognized ranking system that measures the strength of passports based on the visa-free access their holders have to different countries. It is widely regarded as a key indicator of global mobility and diplomatic relationships between nations.

• Established: In 2006, originally known as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index (HVRI).

• Methodology: The rankings are based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which tracks visa-free access to over 227 destinations by citizens of 199 countries.

• Criteria: The number of destinations a passport holder can enter without requiring a visa is the primary metric used in the ranking. Stronger passports allow easier travel and are often a reflection of economic stability, diplomatic ties, and international trust.

Key Highlights of the Henley Passport Index 2025:

1. Top-Ranked Countries:

   • Singapore holds the #1 spot with visa-free access to 193 destinations.

   • South Korea follows closely with 190 destinations.

   • Japan is ranked 3rd, with access to 189 destinations.

2. European Powerhouses:
   Several European countries share ranks just below the top three:

   • Germany, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, and Switzerland all have access to 188–189 countries.

3. The United States:

   • The US has dropped out of the top 10 for the first time in two decades, now holding the 12th position with access to 180 destinations.

4. Afghanistan:

   • Afghanistan continues to hold the lowest rank at 106th with access to only 24–26 destinations, reflecting the ongoing challenges in international relations and security.

India’s Position:

• India’s passport ranks 85th in the Henley Passport Index 2025, down by five spots from the previous year. This represents a notable decline in its relative standing, highlighting challenges in global mobility for Indian passport holders.

• Visa-Free Access: Indian passport holders can travel to around 60–65 destinations without requiring a prior visa. While this is a decent level of access, it is considerably lower than that of leading countries like Singapore, Japan, and several European nations.

Why Does the Henley Passport Index Matter?

• Diplomatic and Economic Ties: A strong passport typically indicates strong diplomatic relations, economic stability, and global trust. Conversely, a lower-ranking passport often reflects geopolitical challenges or limited international cooperation.

• Travel and Mobility: The index is often used by travelers, businesses, and governments to gauge how easy it is for individuals from different countries to move freely across the globe. A strong passport facilitates business opportunities, tourism, and international relations.

Implications for India:

• The slip in India’s rank could be attributed to a variety of factors, including diplomatic relations, visa restrictions, and possibly even the evolving global political climate. While India still enjoys relatively favorable access to many countries, the drop underscores the need for enhanced diplomatic engagement and economic cooperation to bolster its global standing.

• India’s lower position in the index can have practical consequences for Indian citizens seeking to travel for business, education, or tourism. It also affects perceptions of India’s global influence in the context of mobility and international relations.

Conclusion:

While India’s passport continues to provide significant access to global destinations, its drop in rank on the Henley Passport Index 2025 highlights the shifting dynamics of global diplomacy and mobility. The ranking serves as an important reflection of a country’s international standing and the ease of travel its citizens enjoy. As global mobility continues to evolve, India will likely need to strengthen its diplomatic ties and international policies to reclaim its position and improve passport strength for its citizens