Recently, the Indian passport has climbed 8 spots, reaching the 77th rank in the Henley Passport Index 2025, reflecting improved global mobility.

• As of July 2025, Indian passport holders can travel to 59 countries without a prior visa, up from 57 earlier.
  • This includes a mix of visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa access without pre-departure approval.

• The two newly added countries that Indian passport holders can now access without a prior visa are:
  • Vietnam (visa-free for up to 15 days)
  • Thailand (extended visa-free access for up to 30 days)

About Henley Passport Index

• Introduction: It is a global ranking of countries based on the number of destinations their passport holders can access without a prior visa.
• Significance: It is regarded as a benchmark for global mobility, reflecting the strength of a country’s diplomatic ties and international agreements.
• Compilation: The index is compiled by Henley & Partners and uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), along with independent research.
  • It is updated quarterly, providing insights into trends in travel freedom and visa regulations worldwide.

Top Ten Rank 

Significance  of the Improvement for India

• Diplomatic Gain: The steady improvement indicates India’s increasing global integration, expanding footprint in multilateral diplomacy, and enhanced ease of travel for Indian citizens.
• Steady Improvement : While India still lags behind Asian peers like Singapore (1st) , Japan (2nd) and China (60th) the latest rise shows steady progress.
• Scope for Improvement : With the global average visa-free access at 109 destinations in 2025, India’s score of 59 suggests improvement but also highlights the remaining gap.

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