India has moved up eight spots in the Henley Passport Index 2025, rising from 85th to 77th place compared to last year. This improvement comes even though the number of visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders increased by just two. As of now, Indian citizens can travel to 59 countries without needing a visa beforehand.

Popular travel spots like Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand allow Indians to enter without a visa. Others such as Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar offer visa-on-arrival options.

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on how many destinations their holders can enter without needing a visa beforehand.

Singapore tops list with access to 193 destinations

Asian countries are leading the way when it comes to travel freedom. Singapore holds the strongest passport in the world, offering visa-free access to 193 places.

Close behind are Japan and South Korea, with access to 190 destinations each.

In Europe, seven nations, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain are tied at third place, each offering visa-free access to 189 destinations. Countries such as Austria, Belgium, Sweden, and a few others are ranked fourth, while New Zealand, Greece, and Switzerland share the fifth spot.

The United Kingdom and United States, once leaders in passport power, have both dropped a place since January. The UK ranks 6th with access to 186 countries, while the US is 10th, allowing entry to 182 destinations without a prior visa.

A decade ago, the UK and the US held the top positions, with the UK leading in 2015 and the US in 2014.

This year, Saudi Arabia recorded the biggest leap, adding four new destinations to its list and now granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 91 countries.

China has also made significant progress over the past ten years, climbing 34 places from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025. However, Chinese passport holders still do not have visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area.

At the bottom of the index, Afghanistan remains the least powerful passport, offering entry to only 25 destinations without a prior visa.

According to Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, global citizens are placing more importance on travel access and mobility than ever before.

“Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally. As the US and UK adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, we're witnessing a marked rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security,” he said in a press release.

He added, “Your passport is no longer just a travel document; it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships. In an era of growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever.”

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