India has made a significant leap in global travel freedom. According to the latest Henley Passport Index 2025, India’s passport ranking has jumped from 85th to 77th, giving Indian citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 countries. This is a big boost for international travel, tourism, and global mobility for Indians.
What Is the Henley Passport Index?
The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking of countries based on the number of destinations their passport holders can access without a prior visa. It is updated quarterly using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), considered one of the most reliable sources for travel information.
India’s improved ranking reflects growing diplomatic strength and enhanced bilateral agreements.
What Does This Mean for Indian Travelers?
A higher passport ranking means Indian citizens can now travel more freely, saving both time and money by avoiding lengthy visa processes. Whether it’s for business, tourism, education, or family visits, Indian travelers now have more options with simplified entry procedures.
Here are some popular visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations for Indians in 2025:
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Sri Lanka (ETA)
Caribbean Islands: Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago
Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, Seychelles
Oceania: Fiji, Micronesia, Samoa
South America: Bolivia, Ecuador, and Suriname
Note: Some destinations offer visa-on-arrival or electronic travel authorization (ETA) instead of fully visa-free entry. Always check the latest guidelines before planning your trip.
Why passport strength matters?
According to Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, a passport today is far more than just a travel document — it serves as a reflection of a nation’s diplomatic strength, global connectivity, and foreign policy priorities.
“Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships. In an era of growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever,” Steffen said in a recent press release.
He also highlighted a rising trend among American and British citizens, who are increasingly seeking alternative citizenships. This growing interest has led to a surge in demand for residence-by-investment and second passport programs across the globe.
The Henley Passport Index — a globally respected benchmark — ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without needing a visa in advance. Compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the index is updated quarterly and is widely considered a reliable indicator of global travel freedom.
What’s Next?
While India still trails behind top-ranked countries like Japan, Singapore, and Germany, this progress is encouraging. It reflects India’s growing global footprint and opens exciting new opportunities for Indian travelers.
So if you’re dreaming of a holiday abroad, now is the time to explore the world with fewer visa worries. With more doors open than ever before, Indian travelers are stepping into a new era of global freedom.
