New Delhi: Indian travellers have a reason to cheer as the country’s passport has improved its global standing in the recently released Henley Passport Index 2025. India now ranks 77th, up from 80th in 2024, with visa-free access to 59 countries.
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. Although India’s overall position has improved, the number of countries allowing visa-free entry to Indian passport holders has slightly decreased from 62 last year to 59 this year.
India has recorded its biggest improvement yet in the Henley Passport Index, jumping eight positions from 85th to 77th place.
This latest surge places the Indian passport's visa-free access at 59 destinations pic.twitter.com/fdFFWKNLny
— Rishi Bagree (@rishibagree) July 22, 2025
Countries offering visa-free access to Indian citizens include Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand. In contrast, countries like Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar continue to provide visa-on-arrival facilities.
Henley passport index (Ireland joint fourth behind Singapore, Japan and South Korea) pic.twitter.com/CoNpPOo56E
— Eoghan Corry (@eoghancorry) July 22, 2025
At the top of the global rankings, Singapore has secured the number one position, offering visa-free travel to 193 destinations. This marks a shift from last year, when it shared the top spot with France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain. Japan and South Korea now occupy the second position with visa-free access to 190 countries, while Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain are jointly ranked third.
At the bottom of the index is Afghanistan, with its passport granting visa-free access to only 25 countries. The index highlights the evolving landscape of global mobility and underscores the importance of diplomatic relations in shaping travel freedom.