Indian Passport Rises to 77th in Henley Index: New Era of Global Mobility

In July 2025, the Indian passport made its biggest leap ever in the Henley Passport Index, jumping eight spots from 85th to 77th place. This move means Indian citizens now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries, up from 57 last year. The change signals India’s growing diplomatic influence and a new era for Indian travelers.

The Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports by the number of destinations their holders can enter without a prior visa, shows that India’s global mobility is on the rise. This year’s jump is the largest for India since the index began, reflecting both new visa agreements and shifting global trends. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Indian passport’s improved ranking is a result of stronger international partnerships and a focus on making travel easier for Indian citizens.

Key Developments in 2025

• Current Rank: The Indian passport now holds the 77th spot in the Henley Passport Index, up from 85th in 2024.
• Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Access: Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 countries without needing a visa in advance or by getting a visa on arrival. This is an increase of two countries compared to last year.
• Top Visa-Free Destinations: Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand are among the most popular countries now offering visa-free entry to Indians.
• Visa-on-Arrival Destinations: Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar are some of the countries where Indians can get a visa upon arrival.
• Comparative Trends: While India’s passport climbed eight places, the United States 🇺🇸 and United Kingdom 🇬🇧 passports fell in the rankings, now sitting at 10th and 6th respectively. This drop is linked to more restrictive immigration policies in those countries.
• Top Global Passports: Singapore leads the index with access to 193 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea with 190 each. India’s rise highlights the growing power of Asian countries in global travel.

What Does This Mean for Indian Travelers?

For Indian citizens, the improved ranking brings several practical benefits:

• Less Paperwork: With more visa-free and visa-on-arrival options, travelers spend less time filling out forms and visiting embassies.
• Lower Costs: Fewer visa applications mean savings on fees and agent charges.
• More Flexibility: It’s now easier for Indians to plan last-minute trips or take advantage of travel deals.
• Broader Opportunities: Students, businesspeople, and tourists can access more countries for education, work, and leisure without extra hurdles.

For example, a family from Mumbai can now plan a spontaneous holiday to Malaysia or Thailand without worrying about lengthy visa processes. Similarly, a student attending a conference in Indonesia can make travel plans with less advance notice and fewer expenses.

Why Did the Indian Passport Rise in the Henley Passport Index?

The Henley Passport Index uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to rank passports by the number of countries their holders can enter without a prior visa. The index is updated quarterly and reflects not just travel freedom, but also a country’s diplomatic relationships and international standing.

India’s rise in the rankings is due to several factors:

• Strategic Diplomacy: India has signed new agreements with countries in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, making it easier for Indians to visit these places.
• Regional Influence: As Asian countries like the United Arab Emirates and China climb the rankings, India’s improved position shows the region’s growing importance in global travel.
• Soft Power: The strength of a passport now reflects a country’s ability to build friendly relationships and open doors for its citizens.

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, explains, “Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships.”

List of Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Indian Passport Holders (2025)

Indian passport holders can now travel to a wide range of destinations without a prior visa or by getting a visa on arrival. Here are some of the key countries:

Visa-Free Countries:
– Malaysia
– Thailand
– Maldives
– Bhutan
– Nepal
– Mauritius
– Philippines
– Montserrat
– Macao
– Angola
– Barbados
– Kenya
– Kazakhstan
– Fiji
– Grenada
– Haiti
– Iran
– Jamaica
– Serbia
– Senegal
– St. Kitts and Nevis
– Vanuatu

Visa-on-Arrival Countries:
– Sri Lanka
– Myanmar
– Indonesia
– Maldives
– Bolivia
– Cambodia
– Cape Verde
– Djibouti
– Ethiopia
– Jordan
– Laos
– Marshall Islands
– Mongolia
– Mozambique
– Namibia
– Palau
– Qatar
– Samoa
– Sierra Leone
– Somalia
– St. Lucia
– Tanzania
– Timor-Leste
– Tuvalu
– Zimbabwe

Travelers should always check the latest visa requirements on official government or embassy websites before booking their trips, as rules can change quickly. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs provides up-to-date information on visa policies and bilateral agreements.

How Does India Compare to Other Countries?

India’s jump in the Henley Passport Index is part of a larger trend in Asia. The United Arab Emirates has climbed 34 places in the last decade, now sitting in the top 10. China has also moved up, from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025. Meanwhile, traditional leaders like the United States 🇺🇸 and United Kingdom 🇬🇧 have dropped in the rankings due to stricter immigration rules.

At the other end of the scale, countries like Afghanistan have the world’s weakest passports, with access to only 25 destinations. This gap highlights the global differences in travel freedom and the importance of strong diplomatic ties.

Expert Opinions on the Indian Passport’s Rise

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, creator of the Henley Passport Index, points out that “maintaining and improving passport strength requires active diplomacy and reciprocal visa agreements; countries less engaged in diplomacy tend to lose ranking.” This means that India’s efforts to build relationships and sign new agreements are paying off for its citizens.

What’s Next for Indian Passport Holders?

Looking ahead, India is expected to keep working on new visa agreements and expanding electronic visa (e-visa) programs. These efforts could bring even more countries within easy reach for Indian travelers. As more countries in Asia and Africa open their doors, the global passport rankings may continue to shift.

For Indian students, business travelers, and tourists, the future looks promising. Easier access to more countries means more chances to study, work, and explore the world. It also helps Indian companies do business abroad and brings more tourists to India, boosting the economy.

Practical Tips for Indian Travelers

• Check Visa Policies: Always confirm the latest visa rules before traveling, as countries can change their policies at any time.
• Use Official Resources: Visit the Henley Passport Index and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs for reliable information.
• Plan Ahead: Even with more visa-free options, some countries may require proof of funds, return tickets, or hotel bookings.
• Keep Documents Ready: Carry your passport, travel insurance, and any required documents to avoid problems at the border.

Conclusion

The Indian passport’s rise in the Henley Passport Index is more than just a number—it’s a sign of India’s growing role in the world and its commitment to making travel easier for its people. As Indian diplomacy grows stronger and more countries open their doors, the Indian passport becomes a symbol of opportunity and global connection. For millions of Indians, this means new adventures, more business deals, and a stronger presence on the world stage.

Learn Today

Henley Passport Index → Annual ranking measuring passports by visa-free or visa-on-arrival access globally.
Visa-Free Access → Allows entry to a country without needing a visa beforehand or on arrival.
Visa-on-Arrival → Visa obtained at a destination airport or border upon entry.
Diplomatic Influence → A country’s power to negotiate international agreements benefiting its citizens’ travel.
E-Visa → An electronic visa issued online allowing easier and faster international entry.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2025, India’s passport made its largest jump in the Henley Passport Index, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 59 countries, reflecting rising diplomatic influence and expanded travel freedom for Indian citizens worldwide.
— By VisaVerge.com