India’s passport has dropped five places to 85th position in the Henley Passport Index 2025, showing a decline in global travel freedom for Indian citizens.
About the Henley Passport Index
- The Henley Passport Index ranks world passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without obtaining a visa in advance.
- It is prepared using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and analyzed by Henley & Partners, a global citizenship advisory firm.
- First released in 2006, the index was earlier known as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index.
- The 2025 edition covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations worldwide.
Purpose and Importance
- The index reflects a country’s global mobility strength and its diplomatic relations.
- A higher ranking indicates greater international access and stronger global partnerships.
- It also serves as a measure of economic and geopolitical influence.
Key Highlights of 2025 Rankings
- Top Rank: Singapore leads with visa-free access to 193 destinations.
- Next in Line: South Korea (190) and Japan (189) follow closely.
- Several European nations—like Germany, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, and Switzerland—share ranks near the top (188–189 destinations).
- The United States has fallen to 12th place, marking its first time outside the top 10 in nearly 20 years.
- Afghanistan remains the lowest-ranked (106th) with access to only 24–26 destinations.
- India stands at 85th, reflecting limited visa-free access compared to leading nations.
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