Discover the World’s Most Powerful Passports – Where Does India Rank? | PRIMENEWSNOW

Henley Passport Index 2025: A New Look at Global Mobility

The Henley Passport Index has unveiled its latest rankings for the world’s most accessible passports in 2025. This index, utilizing exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), assesses the number of destinations citizens can visit without needing a visa beforehand.

Shifts in Global Passport Rankings

Reflecting the dynamic nature of international travel, both India and the United States have experienced a decline in their passport rankings. Notably, this is the first instance in two decades where the US passport has not been included in the top 10.

Currently, the US is positioned at the 12th level alongside Malaysia, with citizens of both nations enjoying visa-free access to 180 destinations. Meanwhile, India’s passport has dropped to 85th place, down from 80th in 2024, granting access to 57 destinations without a visa or with visa-on-arrival.

Understanding the Decline

The decline in rankings, particularly for Western countries like the US and the UK, is largely attributed to what Henley & Partners describe as an ‘openness gap in reciprocity.’ This term refers to the phenomenon where wealthier nations impose stricter travel regulations, inadvertently limiting their citizens’ mobility as other countries reciprocate.

Leading the Pack: Top 5 Passports

1. Singapore

Maintaining its top position, Singapore’s passport remains the most powerful, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations.

2. South Korea

South Korea ranks second, with its citizens able to visit 190 destinations without a visa. This trend highlights the growing influence of Asian passports in global travel freedom.

3. Japan

Japan closely follows South Korea, securing the third spot with access to 189 countries. Japan consistently ranks high, reflecting its strong global ties.

4. European Nations

Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and other European countries share the fourth position, each offering access to 188 destinations. Despite a slight drop, European passports continue to provide significant global mobility.

5. Nordic and European Cluster

Countries like Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands occupy the fifth rank, with their passports granting access to 187 destinations.

India’s Position

India’s passport has slipped to 85th place, now allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 57 countries. This decline highlights the need for India to enhance its diplomatic efforts to improve travel access.

Conclusion

The Henley Passport Index 2025 evaluates 199 passports across 227 destinations, using IATA data. These rankings underscore the connection between passport strength, geopolitical influence, and international relations. For India, advancing its passport power will require strategic diplomatic engagement to expand travel opportunities.