The Henley Passport Index is a trusted global ranking that measures the power of passports based on how many countries their holders can enter without a visa or by getting a visa on arrival. In July 2025, the Indian passport made its biggest jump ever in this index, moving up eight places from 85th to 77th. This change means Indian citizens can now travel to 59 countries without needing a visa in advance, up from 57 the previous year. This progress highlights India’s growing diplomatic influence and the benefits of its active foreign policy. Below, you’ll find a ranked list of the top visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations for Indian passport holders, along with practical details about each country’s entry process, requirements, and benefits.
Ranking Criteria and Methodology
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The 2025 ranking for the Indian passport reflects both visa-free and visa-on-arrival access. Countries are included in this list if they allow Indian citizens to enter without a visa or to get a visa upon arrival, making travel easier and more affordable. The list below covers all major destinations now open to Indian travelers, with equal attention to each, so you can compare options and plan your trips wisely.
1. Malaysia
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: Up to 30 days
- Requirements: Valid Indian passport (at least 6 months validity), return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: No visa fees, quick airport entry, popular for tourism and business
- Recent Changes: Malaysia added visa-free access for Indian citizens in 2025, strengthening ties between the two countries
2. Philippines
- Entry Type: Visa-free (since June 8, 2025)
- Stay Duration: 14 days (up to 30 days with valid visas from the US, UK, Schengen, Japan, Australia, Canada, or Singapore)
- Requirements: Valid passport, onward ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: Easy access for tourism and family visits, especially for those with third-country visas
3. Macao
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Valid Indian passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation
- Benefits: No advance paperwork, ideal for short trips and business meetings
4. Thailand
- Entry Type: Visa-free (extended until November 11, 2024; further extensions under review)
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Passport valid for at least 6 months, proof of onward travel, funds for stay
- Benefits: Popular for tourism, medical travel, and shopping; quick airport processing
5. Maldives
- Entry Type: Visa-on-arrival
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Passport, hotel booking, return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: No need to apply in advance, easy for last-minute travel, top honeymoon and vacation spot
6. Sri Lanka
- Entry Type: Visa-on-arrival (with digital pre-registration)
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arrival, valid passport, return ticket
- Benefits: Streamlined online process, fast airport entry, growing business and tourism links
7. Indonesia
- Entry Type: Visa-on-arrival
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Passport, visa fee (payable at airport), return ticket
- Benefits: Simple process, no embassy visits, great for tourism and business
8. Myanmar
- Entry Type: Visa-on-arrival
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Passport, visa fee, hotel booking, return ticket
- Benefits: Quick entry for tourists and business travelers, no advance application needed
9. Cambodia
- Entry Type: Visa-on-arrival
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Passport, visa fee, passport photo, return ticket
- Benefits: Easy for spontaneous travel, popular for cultural tourism
10. Laos
- Entry Type: Visa-on-arrival
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Passport, visa fee, photo, return ticket
- Benefits: No embassy paperwork, ideal for backpackers and tourists
11. Mongolia
- Entry Type: Visa-on-arrival
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Passport, visa fee, return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: Expanding business and tourism ties, easy entry
12. Mozambique
- Entry Type: Visa-on-arrival
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Passport, visa fee, hotel booking, return ticket
- Benefits: No pre-approval needed, growing destination for Indian businesses
13. Zimbabwe
- Entry Type: Visa-on-arrival
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Passport, visa fee, return ticket
- Benefits: Fast entry for tourists, no embassy visits
14. Kenya
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 90 days
- Requirements: Passport, proof of funds, return ticket
- Benefits: No visa fees, easy for tourism and business
15. Fiji
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 120 days
- Requirements: Passport, return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: Long stay allowed, no visa costs, popular for tourism
16. Bhutan
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 14 days
- Requirements: Passport, proof of accommodation, return ticket
- Benefits: No visa fees, close cultural ties, easy for Indian tourists
17. Barbados
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 90 days
- Requirements: Passport, return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: No visa costs, popular for tourism and business
18. Iran
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 15 days
- Requirements: Passport, return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: No visa fees, growing business and tourism links
19. Mauritius
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 90 days
- Requirements: Passport, return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: No visa costs, popular for Indian tourists and weddings
20. Jamaica
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 90 days
- Requirements: Passport, return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: No visa fees, easy for tourism and family visits
21. Kazakhstan
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 14 days
- Requirements: Passport, return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: No visa costs, growing business and tourism ties
22. Seychelles
- Entry Type: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Apply online for eTA, passport, return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: Simple online process, fast approval
23. Nepal
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 90 days
- Requirements: Passport, proof of accommodation, return ticket
- Benefits: No visa fees, close cultural and economic ties
24. Rwanda
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 30 days
- Requirements: Passport, return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: No visa costs, growing tourism and business links
25. St. Kitts and Nevis
- Entry Type: Visa-free
- Stay Duration: 90 days
- Requirements: Passport, return ticket, proof of funds
- Benefits: No visa fees, easy for tourism
Practical Tips for Indian Passport Holders
- Always check the latest entry rules on the official Ministry of External Affairs website (www.mea.gov.in) before booking your trip, as visa policies can change quickly.
- Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival.
- Bring proof of onward travel and enough money to cover your stay, as many countries ask for these at the border.
- Some countries require digital pre-registration or an eTA before arrival—apply online if needed.
- Stay within the allowed period to avoid fines or future travel problems.
How to Choose the Best Destination for Your Needs
When deciding where to travel, consider:
- Purpose of visit: Is it for tourism, business, education, or family?
- Length of stay allowed: Some countries offer longer stays than others.
- Entry process: Visa-free is fastest, but visa-on-arrival and eTA are also simple.
- Costs: Visa-free and visa-on-arrival options save money on fees and paperwork.
- Travel connections: Some countries are easier to reach from India than others.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Indian passport’s rise in the Henley Passport Index is more than just a number—it’s a sign of India’s growing global influence and the benefits of its active diplomacy. Indian travelers now enjoy more freedom, less paperwork, and lower costs when visiting 59 countries. This new era of mobility opens doors for tourism, business, and international connections.
By staying informed and planning ahead, Indian passport holders can make the most of these new opportunities. Always check official sources for the latest updates, and enjoy the growing power of your passport on the world stage.
Learn Today
Henley Passport Index → A global ranking measuring passport power by visa-free or visa-on-arrival access worldwide.
Visa-free access → Permission to enter a country without obtaining a visa prior to travel.
Visa-on-arrival → A visa granted at the point of entry without prior application.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) → An online pre-approval required for entry to certain countries before arrival.
Return ticket → Proof of planned departure from the visited country, often required at entry.
This Article in a Nutshell
In July 2025, the Indian passport rose eight places in the Henley Passport Index, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 59 countries, reflecting India’s growing global influence and diplomatic success enhancing international mobility for Indian travelers worldwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
