India’s passport has gained strength in 2025—Indian citizens can now get visa‑free access, visa‑on‑arrival, or an e‑travel authorization (ETA) to 59 countries, a record high for India. This milestone is based on the Henley Passport Index – July 2025 edition. In effect, India’s passport has climbed from 85th to 77th globally
Which Countries? And What Treatment Do They Offer?
Here’s how these 59 destinations break down:
Room 1: Visa‑Free Entry (30 countries)
Indians can enter without any prior permission or paperwork. Countries offering this include:
- Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands
- Cook Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Iran
- Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Macao (SAR China)
- Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat
- Nepal, Niue, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal
- St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Vanuatu
Room 2: Visa‑On‑Arrival (27 countries)
You’ll get your visa at the airport or border when you land. These destinations include:
- Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Comoro Islands
- Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea‑Bissau, Indonesia, Jordan, Laos
- Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar
- Namibia, Palau Islands, Qatar, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Somalia
- Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, Tanzania, Timor‑Leste, Tuvalu, Zimbabwe
Room 3: ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization – 1 country)
- Seychelles – Requires a simple online ETA before travel
Highlights & What This Means for Travelers
- India’s ranking surge: Improved from 85th to 77th on the passport strength index, tied with countries like Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire
- New additions in 2025: Key countries that opened up include the Philippines and Sri Lanka, among others. For Philippines, standard visa‑free entry is now valid, especially for visitors holding valid visas from major countries like Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Schengen, Singapore or Japan.
- Asia leads: Popular vacation spots such as Malaysia, Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia, and Mauritius are all visa‑free or provide visa‑on‑arrival access—even extended in cases through ETA agreements.
Travel Smart Tips
- Verify stay duration & purpose: Each country sets its own rules—some allow only tourism or short stays, others have specified maximum days per visit.
- Check document requirements: Some destinations may request proof of onward travel, hotel bookings, or enough funds on arrival.
- Watch for ETA/Visa-On‑Arrival updates: Policies change—e.g., Seychelles requires an ETA; Maldives offers visa on arrival for up to 30 days.
- Plan ahead for new additions: Countries like the Philippines may have special entry conditions (e.g. 14 days visa-free for all Indians, but 30 days if holding valid visas from certain countries).
Summary Table
| Type of Entry | Number of Countries | Sample Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free | 30 | Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Barbados, Mauritius |
| Visa-On‑Arrival | 27 | Maldives, Indonesia, Jordan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Qatar |
| ETA Required | 1 | Seychelles |
Final Thought
If you’ve been putting off international travel because of visa hassles, now could be a great moment. With 59 countries welcoming Indian passport holders without pre-visa only 8 steps to climb the passport ranking to 77th, it’s easier than ever. Whether you’re dreaming of beach escapes, cultural immersion, or adventure travel—you now have a wider globe at your fingertips.
Feel free to share your next destination in mind—happy to help you check entry rules or travel requirements!
