India’s Passport Slips to 85th Rank in Henley Passport Index 2025

India’s global passport strength has taken a hit this year. According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, which ranks countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can visit without a prior visa, India has fallen five places to the 85th position.

Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free to only 57 countries, down from 62 destinations last year. Analysts say the drop reflects tighter travel policies and fewer reciprocal visa agreements in recent months.Meanwhile, Singapore continues to top the global list, holding the title of the world’s most powerful passport. Its citizens can visit 193 countries visa-free. South Korea follows in second place with access to 190 countries, while Japan ranks third, offering entry to 189 destinations without a visa.

A surprising shift was seen in the United States’ position — its passport slipped out of the top 10 for the first time. Once ranked seventh, the U.S. now shares the 12th spot with Malaysia, granting visa-free access to 180 countries. European nations like Germany, Italy, and Spain continue to dominate the top five ranks.India shares its 85th position with Mauritania, an African nation. Among the countries Indian citizens can still visit without a visa are Bhutan, Indonesia, Maldives, Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Angola, and Barbados.As for India’s neighbors, their passport rankings also remain low — Sri Lanka (98th, 41 countries), Bangladesh (100th, 38 countries), Nepal (101st, 36 countries), and Pakistan (103rd, 31 countries). Afghanistan continues to have the weakest passport globally, offering visa-free travel to just 24 countries.