Recent changes in global travel policies have led to notable shifts in the Henley Passport Index 2025. The index, which evaluates 199 passports and 227 destinations based on visa free travel access, shows both India and the United States experiencing a fall in their passport rankings. The ranking is updated monthly and is widely referenced by governments, travelers and immigration analysts.
India’s passport now stands at the 85th position, allowing visa free entry to 57 countries. Earlier this year, India was ranked 77th with access to 59 destinations. The decline marks a continued trend from previous years. India’s best rank was 71st in 2006 and its lowest was 90th in 2021. Former ambassador Achal Malhotra explained that several factors including political climate, immigration patterns and economic perceptions influence how countries decide their visa rules. He pointed out that travel without visas for Indians was easier in the 1970s, but changed after the 1980s due to internal security concerns and rising immigration pressures overseas.
Western countries including the US, UK and Canada have tightened their visa processes for Indian travelers because of concerns related to overstaying, asylum claims and fraudulent documentation. Some online forums also discuss cultural adjustment difficulties faced by some travelers which has contributed to perception challenges, though such views are individual opinions and not formal criteria.
The United States has also seen a significant shift. For the first time in the index’s 20 year history, the US has fallen out of the global top ten, now ranking 12th. The US passport currently allows visa free entry to 180 destinations. The decrease is attributed to worldwide policy changes and stricter entry regulations among various countries.
Meanwhile, Asian countries continue to dominate the rankings. Singapore holds the top spot with visa free access to 193 destinations. South Korea follows in second place with access to 190, and Japan ranks third with access to 189 destinations. In comparison, Indian passport holders can enter 16 countries without a visa including Bhutan, Nepal, Indonesia and Mauritius. Another 27 countries offer visas on arrival such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, Jordan, Qatar, Mongolia and Ethiopia.
While these options provide some travel flexibility, India’s overall passport strength remains limited compared to the highest ranked nations.
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