Indian Passport Power: In a remarkable improvement, India has made one of the biggest leaps in the Henley Passport Index over the past six months, climbing from 85th to 77th place. Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free access to 59 countries, making global travel easier and more accessible.
India’s Rapid Rise in Global Passport Rankings
The Henley Passport Index ranks countries based on how many destinations their passport holders can enter without a visa. India’s jump in the rankings reflects a growing global influence and strengthening diplomatic ties. This shift is part of a broader trend where traditionally powerful nations like the United States and the United Kingdom are slipping in the rankings, while countries like India and Saudi Arabia are steadily moving up.
Which Country Has the World’s Most Powerful Passport?
As per the latest index:
- Singapore holds the top spot with visa-free access to 193 out of 227 destinations.
- Afghanistan, on the other hand, remains at the bottom, with access to just 25 countries without a visa.
US and UK Slide Down as India Gains Ground
India’s rise to 77th place means its citizens now have easier access to 59 countries without needing a visa. Despite the U.S. and U.K. traditionally ranking high, both countries have dropped one position each—the UK now ranks 6th, and the US ranks 10th. In fact, for the first time, the United States is at risk of falling out of the global top 10.
Saudi Arabia Leads in Growth, UAE and China Surge Ahead
Saudi Arabia has also shown impressive progress, adding four new visa-free destinations in just six months — the biggest jump among all nations during this period. Meanwhile, countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and China are emerging as global mobility leaders:
- The UAE now ranks 8th, having climbed an incredible 34 spots in the past decade — the only country to enter the top 10 during that time.
- China has also made notable progress, rising from 94th place in 2015 to 60th in 2025.
Europe Still Dominates, but Asia is Rising Fast
While European countries continue to dominate the top of the passport index, Asian nations are quickly catching up:
- After Singapore, Japan and South Korea tie for 2nd place, offering visa-free access to 190 destinations.
- In 3rd place are seven EU countries—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain—with 189 visa-free destinations.
- The 4th spot goes to another group of seven EU countries—Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden—with access to 188 destinations.
- New Zealand, Greece, and Switzerland hold the 5th spot.
What This Means for Indian Travellers
India’s rise in the global passport rankings is not just symbolic—it opens up real travel opportunities. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a business traveler, or simply planning a vacation, the strengthening of the Indian passport means less paperwork, fewer visa hassles, and more global destinations to explore.
As India’s global footprint grows, so does the freedom of its citizens to travel, work remotely, or build global connections — all with greater ease.
