India’s Ranking in Henley Passport Index 2025
India ranks 85th in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, marking a drop of five places from its 80th ranking in the previous year. Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free access to 57 countries in 2025, reduced from access to 62 countries in the earlier year. This rank places India alongside Mauritania, sharing the 85th position in global passport strength.
Comparison with Previous Rankings
Earlier in January 2025, India briefly improved its rank to 77th. This was accompanied by visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations, including new additions such as the Philippines and Sri Lanka. However, by October 2025, the rank slipped down again to 85th with fewer visa-free destinations accessible.
Global Leaders in Passport Strength
Singapore remains the most powerful passport in the Henley Passport Index 2025, allowing visa-free access to 193 countries worldwide. South Korea ranks second with access to 190 countries, followed closely by Japan with visa-free travel to 189 countries. Various European countries such as Germany, Italy, and Spain hold shared positions from the third to sixth ranks, allowing access to between 185 to 188 countries.
Countries Accessible Visa-Free to Indian Passport Holders
Indian passport holders can travel without a visa to countries including Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, Bolivia, the British Virgin Islands, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand among others. These destinations enhance travel convenience but remain limited compared to top-ranking passports.
About the Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa or with visa-on-arrival. The ranking is updated quarterly using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The index is widely regarded as a key indicator of passport strength and travel freedom worldwide.
This data shows that while India's passport enables travel to a decent number of countries without a visa, it still falls behind many other nations, reflecting limited global mobility compared to top passport holders. The fluctuating rank signifies dynamic changes in international visa policies affecting Indian travelers.