Henley Passport Index 2025: India Ranks 85th as Singapore Tops the List Again

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.

Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in 2025

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’s Position in 2025: A Dip in Global Mobility

India has dropped from 80th in 2024 to 85th in 2025, a setback in its efforts to improve international travel freedom for its citizens.

• Visa-free or Visa-on-Arrival Access: 57 countries
• Ranking Change: Down 5 spots from the previous year

This decline is seen as a result of,

• Limited bilateral visa agreements in recent years
• Slower diplomatic negotiations compared to other rising Asian and Gulf nations
• Increasing global openness gap, where wealthier countries tighten entry rules, prompting reciprocity from others
• Despite India’s growing economic and geopolitical presence, its passport power has not kept pace with its global ambitions.

Why Passport Rankings Matter

A strong passport translates to,

• Greater ease of travel for tourism, business, education, and emergencies
• Lower costs and less bureaucratic delays
• Higher trust and diplomatic recognition on the global stage
• The Henley Index serves as a barometer of how a nation’s foreign policy, trade ties, and global goodwill translate into tangible benefits for its citizens.

Static Facts

• Ranking System: Henley Passport Index 2025
• Data Source: International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• Top Passport: Singapore (193 destinations)
• India’s Rank: 85th
• India’s Access: 57 destinations (visa-free/visa-on-arrival)
• US Rank: Tied at 12th with Malaysia (180 destinations) – first time out of top 10
• Trend Noted: Rise of Asian passports; decline in Western openness
• Index Scope: 199 passports across 227 destinations