India has improved its standing in the Henley Passport Index, advancing to the 77th position as the Indian passport now allows Visa-free or Visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries.
India has climbed to the 77th position in the Henley Passport Index from a previous low of 85th, marking a significant recovery for the country’s travel document following a considerable decline in early 2025. The improvement reflects increased global mobility for Indian passport holders, who now enjoy Visa-free or Visa-on-arrival privileges in 59 nations.
The Henley Passport Index is renowned as a comprehensive source for tracking the strength of passports worldwide. It ranks 199 passports against 227 travel destinations and is updated on a monthly basis, serving as an essential tool for global citizens assessing international travel potential.
The Indian passport’s regained stature contrasts sharply with its performance in January 2025, when it fell to 85th place. The rebound underscores India’s ongoing efforts to facilitate international travel and equities in passport strength.
Some destinations accessible to Indian passport holders without prior visa arrangements include Namibia, Nepal, Mozambique, Thailand, Qatar, Maldives, and Malaysia, among others. This expanded reach reaffirms India’s growing influence in international travel.
Leading the index, Singapore claims the top position, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. It exemplifies the prominence of Asian countries in the realm of global mobility, as Japan and South Korea also rank highly—both offering visa-free travel to 190 countries.
In Europe, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain share the third rank, each with visa-free access to 189 destinations, showcasing the region’s robust travel freedoms.
Conversely, the index’s lower ranks highlight global disparities in travel freedom. Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen are noted as having the least mobility, underscoring ongoing challenges in these regions.
As the Henley Passport Index continues to serve as a barometer for international travel freedoms, India’s upward movement might inspire further diplomatic and policy initiatives to enhance global mobility for its citizens, according to New India Abroad.
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