The 2025 Henley Passport Index reveals a notable decline in India’s global passport ranking, slipping five places to 85th position from its previous 80th rank in 2024. This index, compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), measures the number of destinations accessible without a visa for each country’s passport holders.
India’s Standing and Global Comparisons
Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free access to 57 destinations, placing India alongside Equatorial Guinea and Niger at the 85th spot. Meanwhile, Singapore continues to dominate the index, retaining its top position with visa-free access to 195 destinations worldwide.
The Power of a Passport: Singapore Tops Henley Passport Index 2025
A passport’s strength lies in its ability to grant its holder freedom of travel without the need for prior visas. The Henley Passport Index, compiled by Henley & Partners, is a widely recognized measure of global passport power. This index uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to rank passports based on their visa-free travel capabilities.
How the Index Works
The Henley Passport Index assigns each passport a “visa-free score,” which is determined by the number of destinations its holder can access without a visa, with visa-on-arrival privileges, or through electronic travel authorization (ETA). Each qualifying destination adds one point to the passport’s score. The country with the highest score holds the title of the most powerful passport.
Singapore Takes the Lead in 2025
For 2025, Singapore has emerged as the global leader in passport power. With visa-free access to 195 destinations, it tops the index, continuing its reputation as a passport that unlocks unparalleled global mobility.
The second position is shared by six countries: Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and South Korea, each granting their passport holders visa-free access to 192 destinations.
Top 10 Rankings
- Singapore: 195 destinations
- Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea: 192 destinations
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway: 191 destinations
- Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom: 190 destinations
- Greece, Australia: 189 destinations
- Canada, Malta, Poland: 188 destinations
- Hungary, Czechia: 187 destinations
- Estonia, United States: 186 destinations
- Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, UAE: 185 destinations
- Slovakia, Iceland: 184 destinations
Why Passport Strength Matters
A strong passport not only facilitates ease of travel but also reflects a country’s diplomatic ties and international relationships. For businesses, students, and frequent travelers, a high-ranking passport reduces the barriers to mobility, enabling smoother access to opportunities abroad.
The Henley Passport Index serves as a benchmark for nations aiming to strengthen their global standing. By negotiating visa-free agreements and fostering international partnerships, countries can enhance the power of their passports and the travel freedom of their citizens.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the rankings are likely to shift, making the index a dynamic indicator of global mobility and influence.
Also Read: Amid Controversy Over Buying Greenland, Question Arises: Who Does It Really Belong To?
