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Indian Passport Ranks 75th Globally, Gains 10 Spots on Henley Index

India's passport has climbed ten places to rank 75th on the latest Henley Passport Index, indicating improved international travel access for its citizens. Indian passport holders can now enter 56 countries without a prior visa. While this marks a recovery from recent lower rankings, India's all-time high remains 71st, achieved in 2006. Singapore retains the top global position, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea.

Key Points: India Passport Rank Rises to 75th on Henley Passport Index

  • Rank improved from 85th to 75th
  • Visa-free access to 56 countries
  • Historical best rank was 71st in 2006
  • Singapore's passport ranks #1 globally
2 min read

Indian passport climbs to 75th rank on Henley index

India's passport climbs to 75th in global rankings, offering visa-free travel to 56 countries. See the top-ranked passports like Singapore and Japan.

"India's passport has improved its position in the global rankings, moving up to the 75th spot - Henley Passport Index"

New Delhi, Feb 13

India's passport has improved its position in the global rankings, moving up to the 75th spot on the latest Henley Passport Index, which tracks the world's most powerful passports. This marks a clear rise from last year, when India was ranked 85th.

The improvement suggests that Indian travellers now enjoy better international access, with more countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry.

According to the latest data, Indian passport holders can currently travel to 56 countries without needing a visa in advance.

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on how many destinations their holders can enter without a visa. A higher ranking reflects stronger global mobility and easier travel for citizens.

While the recent jump is a positive development, India's passport performance over the long term has been uneven. Although it has become stronger compared to last year, it is still not at its historical best.

India's highest-ever ranking was 71st, achieved in 2006.

In more recent years, the country slipped to 80th in 2024 and then further down to 85th, showing how limited travel access had become before the latest recovery.

At the top of the global list, Singapore continues to hold the number one position, with its passport allowing visa-free access to 192 destinations.

Japan and South Korea jointly occupy the second spot, with access to 187 countries each. Sweden and the United Arab Emirates are tied for third place, offering entry to 186 destinations.

Several European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Switzerland, share the fourth rank, with visa-free access to 185 destinations.

Austria, Greece, Malta and Portugal follow closely at fifth place with access to 184 countries.

Other countries with strong passports include Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand, all of which feature in the top 10 due to their wide global travel access.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the improvement is welcome, 75th is still not great when you see Singapore at the top. We were at 71st in 2006, so we haven't even recovered our own past position fully. The government needs to focus more on bilateral agreements.
R
Rohit P
Visa-free to 56 countries is a good start. Makes planning a holiday easier! But the real test is getting easier access to Europe and the US. That's where most people want to go.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently between India and the US for work, any improvement in passport strength is a relief. The visa process can be so stressful. Hope this trend continues upwards!
V
Vikram M
Passport power is linked to a country's global standing. This rise reflects India's growing economic and political influence. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
It's a positive step, but let's be honest, the ranking is still middling. For a nation of our size and aspirations, we should be aiming much higher. Our passport should open doors, not require lengthy applications for most developed countries.

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