International News: India’s standing on the global stage is steadily improving, and the latest Henley Passport Index 2025 report reflects that progress. According to the newly released data, India has advanced eight positions in the global passport rankings, reaching the 77th spot. Indian passport holders now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations.
While this is a notable improvement, experts believe there is still room for growth in terms of global mobility for Indian citizens.
Singapore Has the World’s Most Powerful Passport
Singapore has secured the number one spot in the 2025 Henley Passport Index rankings. Citizens of Singapore can travel to 193 destinations without a prior visa, either through visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival. This puts Singapore ahead of global powers like the United States and the United Kingdom.
The rankings, compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), reflect the increasing ease of travel for Singaporean citizens. However, some slight adjustments were noted this year—for instance, Pakistan and Mauritania have adopted e-visa systems, which slightly reduced Singapore’s list of visa-on-arrival destinations.
?Indian passport recorded its biggest improvement in Henley Passport Index, jumping eight positions from 85th to 77th.
59 countries now visa-free. pic.twitter.com/cg2sGAP7w6
— Indian Infra Report (@Indianinfoguide) July 22, 2025India Rises, While US and UK Fall
India’s jump from 85th to 77th place marks a significant improvement in global mobility. Similarly, Saudi Arabia also advanced in the rankings, adding four more destinations and securing the 54th position.
In contrast, countries traditionally known for strong passports have seen a decline. The United Kingdom now holds the 6th position with access to 186 destinations, while the United States has slipped to 10th place with visa-free access to 182 countries. This represents the lowest ranking for the United States since the Henley Passport Index began publication.
Asian and European Passports Lead the Way
Asian nations continue to dominate the top spots. Japan and South Korea are tied in second place, offering access to 190 destinations without requiring a prior visa. Following closely are seven European Union nations—including Germany, France, and Spain—ranked third with 189 visa-free destinations.
Interestingly, New Zealand is the only non-Asian, non-European country in the top five rankings, showing a balanced distribution of travel access globally.
Afghanistan Remains at the Bottom
Afghanistan ranks at the very bottom of the global passport index, with its citizens allowed visa-free entry to just 25 countries—making it the least powerful passport in the world.
UAE and China Make Big Gains
Over the past decade, global passport strength has evolved significantly. More than 80 countries have moved up by at least 10 positions. Significantly, the United Arab Emirates has surged 34 places to secure the 8th position, granting its citizens visa-free access to 186 countries.
China has also seen a major leap, climbing to 60th place. Chinese passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 75 destinations, up from just 20 previously. This includes agreements with all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and several South American nations, highlighting China’s diplomatic push to attract global travelers.
