India's passport has been ranked 85th on the Henley Passport Index, a decline of five positions from the previous year. This index assesses global passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa. Despite an increase in visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders over the past decade, the country's ranking has fallen. Experts attribute this trend to a more competitive global mobility landscape, where many countries are establishing new travel partnerships.
Current Ranking and Historical Context
The Henley Passport Index places India's passport at 85th among 199 countries. This position indicates visa-free entry to 57 countries, a figure shared with Mauritania. In the past decade, India's rank has primarily ranged in the 80s, with a low of 90th in 2021. For comparison, countries such as Rwanda (78th), Ghana (74th), and Azerbaijan (72nd) are ranked higher. Top positions on the index are consistently held by Asian nations; Singapore ranks first with visa-free travel to 193 countries, followed by South Korea (190 destinations) and Japan (189 destinations).
Discrepancy Between Visa-Free Access and Rank
Although India's rank has declined, the number of countries offering visa-free access to Indian citizens has increased.
- In 2014, Indian passport holders had visa-free access to 52 countries, and the passport ranked 76th.
- By 2015, the rank dropped to 85th, while visa-free destinations remained at 52.
- Visa-free destinations increased to 60 in 2023 and 62 in 2024.
- Currently, in 2025, visa-free access is available to 57 countries, yet the rank is 85th.
This situation indicates that while India has gained visa-free access to more countries over the long term, its relative position has decreased compared to other nations. The Henley Passport Index updates quarterly, and India's rank decreased from 77th in July (with 59 visa-free countries) to 85th in October after losing access to two countries.
Factors Influencing Ranking
According to experts, a primary factor contributing to the shifting rankings is the evolving global mobility landscape. Countries are increasingly forming travel partnerships to benefit their citizens and economies. A 2025 report by Henley & Partners highlights that the global average number of visa-free destinations has nearly doubled, from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2025. For example, China's passport rank improved from 94th to 60th in the last decade, with its visa-free destinations increasing from 50 to 82.
Implications of Passport Strength
The strength of a nation's passport is often associated with its global influence. A passport's strength can impact mobility for citizens, potentially affecting business and educational opportunities. Passports with lower strength may entail more administrative procedures, higher visa costs, and longer processing times for international travel.
The Indian government has not issued a statement regarding the latest Henley Passport Index report.