Henley Passport Index 2025: Singapore Tops the World, India Slips to Rank 85

The Henley Passport Index 2025, a global ranking based on the number of destinations passport holders can access without a prior visa, highlights major geopolitical trends in travel freedom. This year, Singapore reclaimed the top spot with record visa-free access, while traditional powerhouses like the United States and United Kingdom fell to historic lows. India, meanwhile, dropped five places to Rank 85, reflecting ongoing fluctuations in global mobility and diplomatic outreach.

Top 10 Strongest Passports in the World (October 2025)

Rank	Country	Visa Free Destination
1	Singapore	193
2	South Korea	190
3	Japan	189
4	Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland	188
5	Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands	187
6	Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden	186
7	Australia, Czechia, Malya, Poland	185
8	Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, UAE, UK	184
9	Canada	183
10	Latvia	182

Global Overview of the 2025 Rankings

• Singapore emerged as the most powerful passport in 2025, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations.
• South Korea and Japan followed closely at Ranks 2 and 3 with 190 and 189 visa-free destinations, respectively.
• European countries dominated much of the top 10, while UAE showed the most notable rise among Middle Eastern nations.

Key Highlights

• The United States fell out of the top 10 for the first time, ranking 12th, tied with Malaysia, offering visa-free access to 180 destinations.
• The United Kingdom, once a top-ranking passport in 2015, fell to Rank 8 in 2025 — its lowest position ever.
• China continued its steady climb, improving from Rank 94 in 2015 to Rank 64 in 2025, adding 37 more visa-free destinations in the past decade.
• UAE rose sharply from Rank 10 to Rank 8, reflecting expanding global partnerships.

India’s Performance

• India’s passport slipped to Rank 85 in 2025, down from Rank 80 in 2024.
• India’s lowest rank came in 2021 (Rank 90), while its best-ever position was Rank 71 in 2006.
• The fluctuation reflects changing visa policies, global security considerations, and diplomatic negotiations affecting Indian travellers.

Neighbouring Countries’ Passport Rankings (2025)

India’s Regional Comparison on the Henley Passport Index

• China – Rank 64
• India – Rank 85
• Bhutan – Rank 89
• Sri Lanka – Rank 96
• Nepal – Rank 98
• Bangladesh – Rank 103
• Pakistan – Rank 106
• Afghanistan – Rank 110

Global Trends Reflected by the Index

• Asia’s dominance underscores growing international trust in countries with strong economic and political stability.
• The decline of Western powers like the US and UK indicates tightening immigration controls and reduced diplomatic reciprocity.
• The rise of Middle Eastern nations like the UAE highlights regional influence through economic diplomacy.