In a major boost for Indian travelers, the Indian passport has surged eight spots in the Henley Passport Index 2025, now ranking 77th globally—up from 85th last year. This marks one of the passport’s most significant gains in recent years and reflects India’s growing international stature.
India’s Passport Jumps 8 Places, Unlocking Wider Visa-Free Travel
As per the latest index, Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 countries without a prior visa—through visa-free access, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorizations.
“This improvement is a testament to India’s evolving global partnerships and rising influence,” said a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). “We continue to negotiate better visa terms with countries across the globe to make travel easier for our citizens.”
Global Context: Who Tops the List?
Singapore has once again claimed the top spot, offering its citizens visa-free access to the largest number of destinations worldwide. Japan and South Korea follow closely, tied at second place, while Denmark, Finland, Ireland, and several former chart-toppers are now tied for third.
How India Compares Regionally
India’s 77th position places it ahead of its South Asian neighbors, with Nepal ranked 98th and Pakistan at 101st. However, China continues to outperform India in this sphere, securing the 60th spot with access to 85 destinations. Bangladesh trails behind at 94th with access to just 42 countries.
Expert Insights: What’s Driving India’s Rise?
“India’s economic momentum, increasing outbound travel, and soft power diplomacy are reshaping how the world views Indian travelers,” said Rohit Kumar, a Delhi-based immigration policy analyst. “More nations, especially across Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean, are easing entry requirements for Indians.”
This shift holds significance for frequent travelers—particularly students, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and business professionals—who often grapple with cumbersome visa processes.
Visa Wins: Where Indian Passports Now Open Doors
Recent visa relaxations from countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Armenia, and several Central American nations have bolstered India’s global travel standing. Expanded bilateral agreements, digital visa-on-arrival schemes, and the rollback of pandemic-era restrictions have all played a role.
“The expanding list of accessible destinations is a game-changer,” said Meera Sinha, Director of Global Travel Insights at Travelex India. “We expect a noticeable uptick in outbound travel from India during the upcoming festive and winter seasons of 2025.”
The Road Ahead: More Mobility, More Negotiation
Despite this progress, challenges remain. Entry into Schengen nations, the UK, the US, and other Western countries continues to involve extensive paperwork and long processing times. Yet, the government remains optimistic.
“We are committed to improving mobility for Indian citizens,” said the MEA official. “Visa facilitation is now a central pillar in our diplomatic discussions.”
As India climbs the ranks, the rise of its passport reflects not just improved mobility—but also a nation steadily gaining global trust and traction.
