Now This Is Big Breaking News for Indian Travelers: India’s Passport Climbs to 77th in Henley Passport Index 2025, Unlocking Qatar, Philippines, and Fifty-Seven Other Visa-Free Destinations

Published on July 22, 2025

India has made a notable advancement in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, climbing to the 77th position globally. This improvement reflects the country’s growing diplomatic influence and enhanced international relations. The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, utilizing data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). As of 2025, Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations worldwide. This marks a significant increase from previous years, highlighting India’s strengthened global standing. The index considers destinations as visa-free if they permit entry without a prior visa, including those offering visa-on-arrival (VOA) or electronic travel authority (ETA) options. This enhanced mobility not only facilitates tourism and business travel but also underscores India’s growing influence in international affairs. The country’s ascent in the Henley Passport Index is a testament to its evolving global presence and the strengthening of its diplomatic ties across various regions. For travelers, this development opens up new opportunities for exploration and engagement with diverse cultures and economies. As India continues to build on its international relationships, its passport holders can look forward to even greater travel freedoms in the future.

India’s Passport Power: What the Henley Passport Index Means

India’s impressive leap in the 2025 Henley Passport Index highlights the country’s increasing global mobility. The Henley Passport Index, a trusted annual ranking, determines the power of passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access visa-free or with visa-on-arrival (VOA). India’s position at 77th, up eight spots from the previous year, reflects its growing global standing and the significance of its diplomatic relations across Asia and beyond.

Currently, Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free or VOA access to 59 destinations, an impressive achievement in the global passport rankings. From Malaysia to Indonesia, the Maldives to Thailand, Indian passport holders can explore a diverse array of countries without the hassle of obtaining a visa in advance. Other countries like Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar offer visa-on-arrival (VOA) facilities, further enhancing travel convenience for Indians.

• India ranks 77th in the 2025 Henley Passport Index.
• 59 countries offer visa-free or VOA access to Indian passport holders.
• This jump comes despite only gaining two destinations to India’s visa-free tally.

The passport index is an important tool for understanding the global power dynamics of mobility. While India has made great strides, other countries such as Singapore continue to dominate, offering unrestricted access to 193 destinations. Countries like Japan and South Korea also stand tall, with their passports granting entry to 190 destinations. These rankings not only reflect the level of freedom passport holders enjoy but also indicate the economic, political, and diplomatic ties between nations.

India’s Rise and the Asia-Pacific Leadership in Travel Mobility

India’s ascent to 77th place can be attributed to stronger relationships with several countries, particularly in Asia and neighboring regions. The Asia-Pacific region, in general, is seeing a trend of improving travel mobility, with countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea at the forefront. India’s rise is reflective of this broader trend, where many Asian countries are gaining ground in terms of international travel freedom.

• Asia-Pacific region is leading in global mobility.
• Singapore tops the list, providing access to 193 destinations.
• Japan and South Korea follow closely, offering access to 190 destinations each.

Among the countries offering visa-free access to Indian passport holders, the Southeast Asian region plays a crucial role. Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Maldives are among the top destinations where Indian citizens can travel freely. These countries not only offer stunning vacation spots but are also key economic partners with India, making the visa-free travel arrangements a natural extension of bilateral cooperation.

• Southeast Asia offers multiple visa-free destinations for Indian travelers.
• Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are top choices for Indian tourists.
• Indian tourism and trade relations strengthen through these visa-free agreements.

Beyond Asia, India enjoys easier travel access to various parts of Africa and the Middle East, expanding its horizons globally. Indian passport holders have enjoyed easier mobility to the Gulf region, including countries like the UAE, and continue to see growth in access to regions such as South America and Oceania.

Visa-on-Arrival Destinations and New Travel Possibilities for Indians

In addition to the 59 destinations offering visa-free entry, several countries provide visa-on-arrival (VOA) facilities for Indian travelers. Countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Macau are popular among Indian tourists, and the VOA provisions make it even more accessible for Indian passport holders to explore these locations without the bureaucratic hassle of securing a visa beforehand. These facilities have made travel to some of Asia’s most sought-after destinations more convenient and user-friendly.

• Countries such as Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar offer visa-on-arrival.
• These facilities make travel easier to Asia’s most popular tourist spots.
• Visa-on-arrival provisions support last-minute travel plans.

The rise in VOA destinations also showcases the strengthening of India’s diplomatic relationships with countries in Asia, particularly those that are significant trade and tourism partners. For example, Sri Lanka, a country that shares cultural and geographical ties with India, offers VOA to Indian passport holders, reflecting the importance of mutual cooperation. Similarly, countries in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand and the Philippines, continue to make it easier for Indian travelers to explore their rich cultures and natural beauty.

The Global Picture: Who Leads the Henley Passport Index?

While India celebrates its advancement, it’s important to understand the top performers in the Henley Passport Index. Leading the world in passport mobility is Singapore, with its passport granting visa-free access to 193 countries. Japan and South Korea follow closely, offering visa-free or VOA entry to 190 destinations.

• Singapore leads with 193 destinations visa-free.
• Japan and South Korea rank second, with access to 190 destinations each.
• European countries like Germany, France, and Denmark follow closely with 189 destinations.

Several European countries also rank highly, with Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Sweden securing a joint fourth place in the rankings, offering their passport holders access to 189 destinations. The continued rise of the European Union (EU) passport rankings reflects the unity and influence of the region’s political and economic integration.

• EU countries like Germany, France, and Italy offer access to 189 destinations.
• The rankings show the strength of European Union passports in global mobility.

The rankings of countries like the UK and the US have shown slight declines. The UK, which was once the world’s strongest passport in 2015, now sits at 6th place with 186 destinations, while the US follows in 10th place with 182 destinations. The shift in rankings for these countries is indicative of the changing global geopolitical landscape, as visa policies and bilateral agreements continue to evolve in response to global challenges.

Afghanistan’s Struggles with Mobility

At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the Henley Passport Index. Afghan passport holders can only access 25 countries and territories without a prior visa. This stark contrast highlights the challenges faced by citizens of countries with limited global mobility. The lack of access to international destinations underscores the importance of diplomatic relations and the critical role of international partnerships in facilitating global mobility.

• Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the rankings with only 25 destinations.
• Limited travel access highlights the struggles faced by citizens of conflict-ridden nations.
• The importance of diplomatic ties is central to improving passport rankings.

The Changing Nature of Passport Power: A Global Perspective

The Henley Passport Index also reflects broader trends in global mobility and diplomatic relations. The rise of countries like India and China, with their growing international influence, contrasts with the challenges faced by countries experiencing political instability and economic challenges. The rankings highlight the growing importance of strategic mobility, where citizens of countries like the US and UK are increasingly seeking alternative residence and citizenship options due to shifting national policies and geopolitical dynamics.

• Growing interest in second citizenship options among citizens of the US and UK.
• Countries like India and China rise due to increasing global influence.
• Strategic mobility is becoming a key focus in global travel trends.

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, commented on this shift, noting that citizens of traditionally powerful countries are now exploring global citizenship solutions as part of a broader trend of strategic mobility. The increasing interest in second citizenship and residence options reflects a desire for greater security, global access, and stability in an increasingly uncertain world.

India’s Path to Greater Mobility

For India, the continued rise in the Henley Passport Index signals a bright future for travel freedom. As the country strengthens its diplomatic relations, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, more destinations are likely to open up to Indian passport holders. These developments enhance India’s standing not only in terms of travel but also in the broader context of international influence.

• India’s growing diplomatic ties will likely expand travel access.
• More visa-free agreements are expected with India’s rising global influence.
• India’s progress points to a future of greater international mobility.

Indian citizens will likely enjoy greater travel freedom as their country continues to enhance its international partnerships. This could lead to even more visa-free or VOA access, further solidifying India’s position as a major player on the global mobility stage. As India’s global influence grows, the continued rise of its passport will likely become a symbol of the country’s growing power and diplomatic reach.

India’s Visa-Free Travel: 59 Destinations Accessible to Indian Passport Holders

As of 2025, Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations worldwide, marking a significant improvement in global mobility. This advancement reflects India’s growing diplomatic ties and international standing.

Visa-Free Destinations for Indian Passport Holders

The following countries and territories offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Indian passport holders:

1. Angola 🇦🇴
2. Barbados 🇧🇧
3. Bhutan 🇧🇹
4. Bolivia 🇧🇴
5. British Virgin Islands 🇻🇬
6. Burundi 🇧🇮
7. Cambodia 🇰🇭
8. Cape Verde Islands 🇨🇻
9. Comoro Islands 🇰🇲
10. Cook Islands 🇨🇰
11. Djibouti 🇩🇯
12. Dominica 🇩🇲
13. Ethiopia 🇪🇹
14. Fiji 🇫🇯
15. Grenada 🇬🇩
16. Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼
17. Haiti 🇭🇹
18. Indonesia 🇮🇩
19. Iran 🇮🇷
20. Jamaica 🇯🇲
21. Jordan 🇯🇴
22. Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
23. Kenya 🇰🇪
24. Kiribati 🇰🇮
25. Laos 🇱🇦
26. Macao (SAR China) 🇲🇴
27. Madagascar 🇲🇬
28. Malaysia 🇲🇾
29. Maldives 🇲🇻
30. Marshall Islands 🇲🇭
31. Mauritius 🇲🇺
32. Micronesia 🇫🇲
33. Mongolia 🇲🇳
34. Montserrat 🇲🇸
35. Mozambique 🇲🇿
36. Myanmar 🇲🇲
37. Namibia 🇳🇦
38. Nepal 🇳🇵
39. Niue 🇳🇺
40. Palau Islands 🇵🇼
41. Philippines 🇵🇭
42. Qatar 🇶🇦
43. Rwanda 🇷🇼
44. Samoa 🇼🇸
45. Senegal 🇸🇳
46. Seychelles 🇸🇨
47. Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
48. Somalia 🇸🇴
49. Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
50. St. Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳
51. St. Lucia 🇱🇨
52. St. Vincent and the Grenadines 🇻🇨
53. Tanzania 🇹🇿
54. Thailand 🇹🇭
55. Timor-Leste 🇹🇱
56. Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹
57. Tuvalu 🇹🇻
58. Vanuatu 🇻🇺
59. Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

Conclusion

In conclusion, India’s ascent to the 77th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index is a significant achievement, reflecting the country’s growing global influence and strengthening diplomatic ties. With access to 59 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations, Indian passport holders now enjoy greater travel freedom, enhancing opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. While India has gained only two new destinations—Palau and the Philippines—this improvement highlights the effectiveness of strategic diplomatic engagements and evolving visa policies across the globe.

The rising rank of India’s passport is a testament to the country’s increasing political and economic influence, particularly in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It also underscores India’s ongoing efforts to foster international cooperation through bilateral agreements and visa facilitation systems. As India continues to develop its global partnerships, it is expected that more countries will extend visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Indian citizens, further boosting its standing in future Henley Passport Index rankings.

For Indian travelers, this milestone provides a pathway to explore new destinations, conduct international business with ease, and experience diverse cultures. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, India’s continued progress in global mobility reflects the nation’s rise as a key player in international diplomacy and global travel.