India’s Significant Leap in the Henley Passport Index 2025

In July 2025, India marked an impressive achievement by climbing eight places in the Henley Passport Index, moving from 85th to 77th. This jump signals a significant milestone in India’s diplomatic and global standing, highlighting the growing strength of the Indian passport. As of this year, Indian passport holders can access 59 countries without requiring a visa or with visa-on-arrival privileges. While India only added two new destinations to its visa-free list, the impact on its global mobility and international perception is substantial. This surge represents the largest increase among all countries in the past six months, showcasing a clear upward trajectory in India’s travel freedom.

Though India’s growth is noteworthy, Singapore retains its top position with visa-free access to 193 destinations, continuing to emphasize the rising influence of Asian countries in global travel.

Expanding Horizons: Indian Passport’s Reach

The Henley Passport Index 2025, which was released on July 22, indicates that the Indian passport now offers access to 59 countries without the need for a pre-arranged visa. This includes popular travel destinations within Asia, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Maldives, all of which are key regional hubs for tourism and business. In addition, countries like Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar now offer visa-on-arrival (VOA) options, making it easier for Indian citizens to explore more parts of the world with fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

What is the Henley Passport Index?

The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking system that evaluates 199 passports based on how many countries their holders can visit without needing a visa. Compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), this index has evolved into a reliable measure of a nation’s global mobility, diplomatic strength, and international relations. Over time, the index has become a key reference for understanding the diplomatic reach of countries and their citizens’ freedom to travel.

Asia’s Dominance in the Global Mobility Rankings

India’s impressive rise is part of a broader trend where Asian countries continue to lead in the race for global mobility. Singapore stands firm at the top of the rankings for the second consecutive year, offering its passport holders visa-free access to 193 countries. In second place, Japan and South Korea are tied, with both countries allowing their citizens to visit 190 destinations without a visa. These rankings underscore Asia’s increasing dominance in global travel, which has been driven by strong diplomatic ties and growing international cooperation.

Asian nations are cementing their status as global leaders in international mobility, where increasing diplomatic engagement and open borders are driving the future of travel.

European Nations Maintain Strong Influence

In the third tier, seven European Union nations—Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Finland, and Ireland—are tied with visa-free access to 189 countries. This highlights Europe’s continued stability in global mobility rankings. These countries benefit from decades of diplomatic engagement, fostering robust relationships that facilitate unrestricted travel across their borders. The collective strength of European nations in this index reflects the enduring importance of international cooperation and regional unity in maintaining a high level of travel freedom.

China’s Quiet Yet Steady Rise in Global Mobility

While the focus often falls on the top positions, China’s progress in the Henley Passport Index is worth noting. Since 2015, China has steadily moved up the rankings, from 94th to 60th, thanks to an expanding network of visa-free agreements. Particularly notable are China’s partnerships with countries in South America and the Gulf region, signaling a shift in China’s foreign policy priorities. This growth marks China’s growing diplomatic footprint and its increasing influence in global mobility.

Challenges for Western Countries in Global Mobility

In contrast, traditional Western powers like the United States and the United Kingdom have seen their rankings decline. The U.S. passport dropped from 9th to 10th, while the UK saw a fall from 5th to 6th. This decline is attributed to several factors, including geopolitical tensions, shifting immigration policies, and the rise of isolationism in recent years. These shifts have led to a reduction in travel freedoms for citizens of these countries, compared to the increasing mobility enjoyed by their Asian and European counterparts.

Global Mobility at a Glance: The Leading Passports of 2025

The top 10 passports in the Henley Passport Index 2025 reflect the countries with the greatest travel freedom:

1. Singapore
2. Japan
3. South Korea
4. Denmark
5. Finland
6. France
7. Germany
8. Ireland
9. Italy
10. Spain
11. Austria
12. Belgium
13. Luxembourg
14. Netherlands
15. Norway
16. Portugal
17. Sweden
18. Greece
19. New Zealand
20. Switzerland
21. United Kingdom
22. Australia
23. Czechia
24. Hungary
25. Malta
26. Poland
27. Canada
28. Estonia
29. United Arab Emirates
30. Croatia
31. Latvia
32. Slovakia
33. Slovenia
34. Iceland
35. Lithuania
36. United States

The Growing Disparity in Global Travel Freedom

The Henley Passport Index also starkly highlights the disparities in global travel freedom. Afghanistan, for instance, ranks at the very bottom of the index, with its citizens able to visit only 25 countries without a visa. This stark contrast between the most and least mobile nations serves as a powerful reminder of how passport strength reflects a country’s diplomatic influence and global standing.

The Symbolic Significance of the Indian Passport’s Rise

For Indian citizens, this shift in the Henley Passport Index holds greater significance than just a statistical jump. It signals a growing global influence for India and marks a significant milestone in the country’s international diplomacy. Although the increase in visa-free destinations may appear modest, it represents a symbolic shift in how India is viewed globally.

As Indian passport holders gain easier access to tourist destinations, business hubs, and educational opportunities, they will experience fewer barriers when traveling abroad. This not only enhances personal mobility but also boosts cross-border interactions, benefiting the Indian economy and strengthening its global partnerships.

In the post-pandemic world, where mobility is increasingly tied to prestige and diplomatic power, the recent rise of the Indian passport serves as a clear indicator of India’s forward momentum. As diplomatic relations evolve and India’s role in global affairs continues to expand, the passport has become a symbol of the country’s increasing global standing.

The Future of Global Travel Mobility: India’s Role in Shaping It

India’s remarkable progress in the Henley Passport Index 2025 highlights the critical role that diplomatic relations, international cooperation, and global partnerships play in shaping the future of travel mobility. India’s growing global mobility will have profound effects on its tourism sector, business environment, and global influence, positioning the country as a significant player on the international stage.

Increased access to countries will also facilitate greater cultural exchanges, educational opportunities, and business expansion, allowing India to harness the potential of a more connected world. As international mobility continues to be a major factor in defining national influence, India’s rise in the global rankings signals positive developments for its economy, diplomatic ties, and international standing.