Henley Passport Index 2025

India has made significant strides in global mobility, improving its ranking in the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing 8 places to 77th position from 85th in 2024. This improvement reflects India's enhanced travel freedoms and diplomatic engagements.

Overview of Henley Passport Index 2025:

• Compiled by: Henley & Partners, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

  Scope: Includes 227 travel destinations and is updated quarterly.

• Purpose: The index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa, offering insights into global mobility, international relations, and travel accessibility.

Key Global Insights from the 2025 Rankings:

1. Top 3 Rankings:

   • 1st: Singapore - Visa-free access to 193 destinations.

   • 2nd: Japan and South Korea - Visa-free access to 190 destinations.

   • 3rd (tie): Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, Denmark, Ireland - Visa-free access to 189 destinations.

2. U.S. Passport Decline:

   • The United States dropped to 10th place, with visa-free access to 182 destinations, a sign of shifting global mobility dynamics.

3. Asian and European Dominance:

   • Asian and European passports continue to dominate the top spots, reflecting robust diplomatic relations and favorable visa policies.

India’s Achievements and Progress:

• Rank in 2025: 77th (an 8-place improvement from 2024).

• Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access: Indian passport holders now enjoy access to 59 destinations, including Philippines and Sri Lanka, which were newly added to the list.

• Global Mobility Context: Despite gaining access to only two new countries, India’s rank rose significantly due to global reshuffling, which suggests that diplomatic efforts and regional agreements have improved India’s standing.

Analysis of India's Improvement:

• Global Reshuffling: While India's access has expanded modestly, the significant rise in its rank is due to shifts in other countries' positions, such as declines in traditional powers like the U.S. and the U.K. This indicates India's improving diplomatic relations, trade ties, and regional influence, especially in Asia.

• Recovery from Setback: India had suffered a 5-place drop in 2024, but this year’s 8-place jump represents a recovery, reflecting the positive impacts of foreign policy adjustments, multilateral agreements, and improved travel diplomacy.