India’s position in Henley Passport Index 2025 has fallen to 85th, marking a decline from its previous rank of 80 in 2024. index, which evaluates 199 countries based on number of destinations their passports allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, is derived from exclusive Timatic data provided by International Air Transport Association (IATA). Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free travel to only 57 destinations, sharing 85th spot with Equatorial Guinea and Niger.
Henley Passport Index 2025: Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| India’s Rank in 2025 | 85th |
| Previous Rank (2024) | 80th |
| Visa-Free Destinations for India | 57 |
| Top-Ranked Country | Singapore (195 visa-free destinations) |
| Bottom-Ranked Country | Afghanistan (26 visa-free destinations) |
| Data Source | Timatic, provided by International Air Transport Association (IATA) |
| Notable Decliners | United States (9th rank in 2025 from 2nd in 2015), Venezuela |
India’s Standing in 2025
India’s slip in rankings reflects stagnation in number of destinations its passport allows visa-free access to, coupled with advancements made by other countries. With 57 visa-free destinations, Indian passport holders enjoy limited global mobility compared to passport holders from many other countries. This decline has raised concerns about passport’s competitiveness on global stage.
Experts attribute this drop to a combination of factors, including:
- Limited bilateral agreements for visa-free travel.
- Slow diplomatic outreach to secure reciprocal travel benefits.
- Global perceptions of India’s immigration policies and security measures.
Singapore Retains Top Spot
For 2025, Singapore has once again secured top position on Henley Passport Index. A Singaporean passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to an unparalleled 195 destinations, making it strongest passport globally. Singapore’s continued dominance is credited to its proactive diplomacy, strong economic relationships, and focus on ease of international travel for its citizens.
Top 10 Rankings
top 10 rankings for 2025 highlight global leaders in passport strength:
| Rank | Country | Visa-Free Destinations |
| 1 | Singapore | 195 |
| 2 | Japan | 193 |
| 3 | Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain | 192 |
| 4 | Austria, Denmark | 191 |
| 10 | United Arab Emirates | 185 |
United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues its remarkable rise, gaining access to 72 additional destinations since 2015, reflecting its strategic diplomatic efforts and economic influence.
US Passport Sees Significant Decline
One of most notable declines in Henley Passport Index 2025 is United States, which has fallen from 2nd place in 2015 to 9th in 2025. U.S. passport now offers visa-free access to 185 destinations. Analysts attribute this drop to a combination of political isolationism, stricter immigration policies, and diminished international cooperation in recent years.
According to Annie Pforzheimer, Senior Associate at Center for Strategic and International Studies,
“Even before advent of a second Trump presidency, American political trends had become notably inward-looking and isolationist. Even though US economic health relies heavily on immigration, tourism, and trade, voters during 2024 presidential campaign were fed a narrative that America can (and should) stand alone.”
Countries at Bottom
At other end of spectrum, countries with weakest passports remain consistent with previous years. bottom five positions are as follows:
| Rank | Country | Visa-Free Destinations |
| 103 | Pakistan, Yemen | 33 |
| 104 | Iraq | 31 |
| 105 | Syria | 27 |
| 106 | Afghanistan | 26 |
struggles of these nations to secure better global mobility reflect ongoing issues such as political instability, poor diplomatic relations, and security concerns.
Analysis of India’s Drop
India’s drop to 85th place is a call for renewed focus on improving international travel agreements. Some of key areas requiring attention include:
- Bilateral Agreements: India needs to negotiate more visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreements with countries to improve its passport strength.
- Travel Infrastructure: Simplified e-visa systems for inbound and outbound travelers could enhance international partnerships.
- Global Image: Improving perceptions of security and reliability associated with Indian travelers can encourage reciprocal agreements.
Economic and Social Implications
Passport strength is not just a matter of travel convenience; it also reflects a country’s diplomatic standing and economic influence. A weaker passport can have broader implications:
- Tourism: Limited access to global destinations discourages outbound tourism.
- Business Opportunities: Indian businesses may face more barriers in expanding globally due to restricted travel.
- Global Perception: A declining rank can impact India’s image as a growing economic power.
Strategies to Improve
To reverse trend and strengthen its position in Henley Passport Index, India could:
- Expand Visa-Free Agreements: Target high-ranking countries for bilateral negotiations.
- Invest in Diplomatic Outreach: Use its growing economic clout to secure better travel terms.
- Focus on Domestic Security Measures: Enhance trust among global partners regarding India’s immigration policies and border security.
Conclusion
India Slips To 85th Rank In Henley Passport Index 2025 report underscores challenges Indian passport holders face in achieving global mobility. While countries like Singapore continue to dominate, India’s decline reflects need for strategic interventions in diplomacy and international partnerships. As global travel trends evolve, India must act decisively to enhance its standing and ensure better opportunities for its citizens.
Disclaimer: data provided in this article is based on Henley Passport Index 2025 and other publicly available sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are encouraged to refer to official government and Henley and Partners reports for precise details.
