India’s Passport Ranks 85th in Global Power Index
India’s passport has experienced a significant decline in the latest Henley Passport Index rankings, falling to the 85th position as of October 2025. This drop marks a notable shift from earlier this year when it was ranked 77th. Despite being the world’s fifth-largest economy, Indian passport holders can now access only 57 countries without a visa, a decrease from 62 destinations in the previous year. India shares its current rank with Mauritania, highlighting the challenges faced by its passport holders in terms of global travel freedom.
Current Status of Indian Passport
The Henley Passport Index evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa. India’s recent ranking of 85th is a stark reminder of the limitations faced by its citizens when traveling internationally. The Indian passport allows visa-free entry to 57 countries, a reduction from 62 countries last year. This decline in travel freedom is concerning for many Indian citizens who seek to explore the world without the hassle of obtaining visas.
Countries that permit visa-free access for Indian passport holders include popular destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, among others. However, the overall ranking indicates that Indian passport holders face more restrictions compared to many other nations. The drop in rank may impact travel plans for many individuals, particularly those who frequently travel for business or leisure.
Top Global Passport Rankings
In contrast to India’s passport, the Henley Passport Index reveals that Singapore holds the top position, allowing its citizens to travel to 193 countries without a visa. South Korea follows closely in second place, with access to 190 countries, while Japan ranks third, granting entry to 189 nations. The rankings showcase a strong presence of Asian countries in the top tier, indicating their citizens enjoy significant travel freedom.
The fourth position is jointly held by Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland, all of which provide visa-free access to 188 destinations. Meanwhile, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands share the fifth rank, with access to 187 countries. These rankings highlight the disparities in global travel freedom, with many countries enjoying far greater access than India.
Decline of the US Passport
The latest rankings also reveal a historic decline for the United States passport, which has dropped to the 12th position, allowing visa-free travel to 180 countries. This marks the first time the U.S. has fallen out of the top ten rankings. Previously, the U.S. held the seventh position, reflecting a significant shift in global travel dynamics.
Among neighboring countries, Pakistan ranks 103rd with access to 31 visa-free destinations, while Bangladesh is at 100th with 38 countries. Nepal and Bhutan follow closely, with rankings of 101st and 92nd, respectively. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index, allowing entry to only 24 countries without a visa. This decline in passport strength for the U.S. and other nations emphasizes the evolving landscape of international travel and the varying degrees of freedom experienced by passport holders worldwide.
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