The Indian Passport Records Biggest Jump on Global Index, 59 Countries Now Visa-Free, making history with the largest annual improvement among all nations ranked by the Henley Passport Index. India climbed eight places—from 85th to 77th—reflecting strong diplomatic efforts and expanding global mobility for Indian travelers.
What is the Henley Passport Index?
The Henley Passport Index ranks world passports by the number of destinations holders can visit without a prior visa or with visa-on-arrival access. In 2025, the Indian passport records biggest jump on global index by offering access to 59 countries, up from 57 in 2024. This is the highest number ever for Indian passport holders and the sharpest rise in the country’s rank to date.
New Travel Opportunities for Indians
As the Indian passport records biggest jump on global index, Indian travelers now enjoy greater freedom to:
Visit popular Asian destinations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand visa-free.
Access countries like the Philippines and Sri Lanka, newly added to the list of visa-free travel destinations for Indians.
Make use of visa-on-arrival options in countries including Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar.
Remember, rules for visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry can change, so always confirm requirements before booking any travel.
Why Is This Jump Important for India?
The fact that the Indian passport records biggest jump on global index brings several benefits:
Faster, simpler travel: Less paperwork and fewer embassy visits needed.
Lower costs: Saving money that would typically be spent on visa applications.
Wider opportunities: Easier to pursue global business, tourism, education, and healthcare.
Higher global standing: Signals stronger ties and successful diplomacy with more countries.
How Does India Compare Globally?
While the Indian passport records biggest jump on global index, it still trails behind leading countries:
| Rank | Country/Region | Countries Accessible Visa-Free |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 193 |
| 2 | Japan, South Korea | 190 |
| 3 | France, Germany, Italy, etc. | 189 |
| 4 | Austria, Belgium, Sweden, etc. | 188 |
| 77 | India | 59 |
Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains at the bottom, offering visa-free access to just 25 countries, highlighting a major gap between top and bottom-ranked passports.
The Global Trend
The 2025 passport rankings show Asia’s growing strength in global mobility, with Singapore at the top and India emerging as the year’s most improved. The UK and US continue to slide, ranking 6th and 10th, respectively, as new global partnerships shape the future of travel freedom.
The Indian passport records biggest jump on global index in 2025—making global journeys easier and enhancing India’s place on the world map.
