Indian Passport Jump From 85 to 77 in Henley Passport Index

Indian Passport Jump From 85 to 77 rank in Henley Passport Index 2025, Showcasing India’s growing International standing.

What Henley Passport Index’s Global Rankings Reveal About Mobility, Influence & Opportunity for travel freedom ??? We will see it in this article.

What Is the Henley Passport Index?

The Henley Passport Index is a globally respected ranking of the world’s passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.

Updated semi-annually, it covers 199 passports and 227 destinations, including disputed territories and semi-autonomous regions.

In short, it’s not just about convenience — it’s about global mobility, economic access, and international influence.

India Makes the Biggest Leap in 2024 as Indian Passport Jump From 85 to 77

For Indian passport holders, there’s big news: India has jumped 8 places, from 85th to 77th on the global list. This Indian Passport Jump marks the highest gain by any country in the latest rankings.

Visa-free access now includes 59 countries, up from 57 last year.

Popular destinations now accessible include Malaysia, Indonesia, the Maldives, and Thailand.

Sri Lanka and Myanmar offer visa-on-arrival, further enhancing accessibility.

This leap reflects India’s growing diplomatic influence, regional cooperation in South and Southeast Asia, and efforts to strengthen tourism and trade.

Singapore Tops the Chart Again in Henley Passport Index 2024

At the top of the list sits Singapore, with the most powerful passport in the world.

193 destinations allow Singaporean citizens to enter visa-free or with minimal restrictions.

That’s nearly 85% of the world.

But obtaining a Singaporean passport isn’t easy — it requires years of permanent residency, a clean record, and often mandatory national service for males.

Its success reflects economic strength, stable governance, and international trust in Singaporean travelers.

United States Falls to Its Lowest-Ever Position

Once a symbol of global access, the U.S. passport has slipped to 10th place, its lowest ranking since the index began 20 years ago.

In 2014, the U.S. held the #1 spot.

Now, 33 other countries offer better travel freedom.

This slide may reflect global perceptions of U.S. immigration policy, diplomatic tensions, and declining ease of international collaboration under previous administrations.

Asia Rising: Japan and South Korea Share Second Spot

South Korea has climbed to join Japan at the second rank, with access to 190 destinations.

Asia’s strength in the top ranks reflects strong economies, stable politics, and proactive diplomacy.

Meanwhile, European nations continue to dominate the third, fourth, and fifth spots, maintaining their long-held positions due to strong intra-EU cooperation and global partnerships.

The Bottom of the List: A Tale of Conflict and Isolation

The bottom rankings reflect nations struggling with war, instability, and international sanctions:

Afghanistan is last at #99, with access to just 25 destinations.

Syria and Iraq follow closely with 27 and 30 visa-free destinations respectively.

These countries face travel restrictions due to security concerns, lack of global trust, and weak diplomatic ties.

Why Passport Power Matters Globally

A powerful passport is more than a travel document. It’s a symbol of national strength and a tool for individual freedom. It opens doors to:

• Business and job opportunities abroad
• Educational access
• Healthcare options
• Political asylum or refuge during crises
• Cross-cultural engagement and economic growth

Indian Passport Jump From 85 to 77 : Now India’s Passport Current Situation 

Indian passport holders can travel to 59 countries visa-free or with visa on arrival, according to the Henley Passport Report 2025.  Here is the list for countries continent wise;

Asia:

• Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia (e-visa), Thailand (e-visa), Malaysia, Maldives, Macao, Kazakhstan, Iran, Cambodia (e-visa), Laos, Sri Lanka (e-visa), Myanmar (e-visa).

Africa:

• Kenya, Mauritius, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia.

Caribbean:

• Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.

Oceania:

• Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tuvalu.

Other:

• Bolivia, Qatar.

Visa on Arrival Countries: When you land on these countries there itself your visa stemp is given.

Asia:

• Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Qatar, Sri Lanka.

Africa:

• Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Zimbabwe.

Oceania:

• Marshall Islands, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu.

Other:

• Bolivia, St. Lucia.

Note: Some countries listed as visa-free may still require an electronic travel authorization (ETA) or have specific entry requirements, so it’s always best to check the latest travel guidelines before your trip, according to the Times of India.

Passport Rankings Reflect Global Trends

Passport power is often a mirror of geopolitical stability, economic prowess, and international relationships.

Countries investing in diplomacy, trade agreements, and tourism see improved rankings. Those embroiled in conflict or isolationist policies suffer stagnation or decline.

As global mobility becomes more valuable in a post-pandemic world, passport strength is fast becoming a measure of national success — and an individual’s potential for opportunity.

In a world where borders still define so much, a passport can be both a key and a cage.

The latest Henley Passport Index reminds us that in the 21st century, power isn’t just in weapons or GDP — it’s in the stamps your passport can earn.

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