The Henley Passport Index 2025 has been released, and it reveals shifting dynamics in global mobility and international travel freedom. The ranking, based on exclusive IATA (International Air Transport Association) data, evaluates 199 passports by the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa. While Asian countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan dominate the top ranks, India has experienced a notable dip. This year, India’s passport slipped five places to 85th, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 57 countries.
1. Singapore – Access to 193 Destinations
For another year, Singapore leads the world with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 countries. The Singaporean passport enables seamless travel across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. Its global rank is driven by robust diplomatic ties and stable governance, making it the gold standard in passport power.
2. South Korea – 190 Destinations
South Korea secures the second spot with access to 190 destinations. Its passport offers exceptional travel freedom to Europe, the UK, and the Americas, making it ideal for students, businesspeople, and tourists alike.
3. Japan – 189 Destinations
Once a long-time chart-topper, Japan now holds the third rank with 189 destinations. Japanese passport holders enjoy broad access across Europe and Asia, reflecting the nation’s enduring diplomatic credibility.
4. European Power Group (13 Countries) – 187 Destinations
Countries tied for fourth position include,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland. These nations provide access to 187 countries, illustrating the diplomatic strength of the EU bloc and the Schengen Area.
5. Austria, Greece, Norway, Portugal, Sweden – 186 Destinations
This group secures the fifth spot with visa-free access to 186 destinations. These passports benefit from EU or EEA status and long-standing global partnerships.
6. Hungary, Malta, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia – 185 Destinations
These countries tie for sixth place, with passports granting access to 185 destinations. EU member status (except New Zealand) plays a major role in increasing mobility for their citizens.
7. Australia, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, UAE, United Kingdom – 184 Destinations
Countries in the seventh tier offer access to 184 destinations. Notably, the United Arab Emirates has seen rapid improvement in passport strength due to aggressive diplomatic and trade expansion.
8. Canada and Latvia – 183 Destinations
Canada and Latvia share the eighth rank with access to 183 countries. Canada continues to rank high due to strong bilateral relations, while Latvia’s EU membership plays a key role.
9. Liechtenstein and Lithuania – 182 Destinations
Despite its small size, Liechtenstein has one of the world’s strongest passports. Alongside Lithuania, they provide access to 182 destinations, thanks to Schengen and European diplomatic privileges.
10. Iceland and Malaysia – 181 Destinations
Closing the top ten, Iceland and Malaysia grant access to 181 countries. Iceland benefits from Nordic diplomatic networks, while Malaysia remains one of Asia’s most mobile passports due to extensive regional agreements.
India has dropped from 80th in 2024 to 85th in 2025, a setback in its efforts to improve international travel freedom for its citizens.
This decline is seen as a result of,
A strong passport translates to,
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