2025's Henley Passport Index Update: Indian Passport Holders Gain Access to 59 Nations Without Needing a Visa
In an increasingly uncertain world marked by growing inequality and geopolitical tensions, the importance of strategic mobility and citizenship planning has never been greater, according to Dr. Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners. This is reflected in the latest Henley Passport Index report for 2025.
The report shows that India has made significant progress in passport strength, climbing eight places to rank 77th globally. Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 destinations either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival (VOA) privileges.
Visa-Free Access for Indians
Some of the countries offering visa-free access to Indian travellers include Malaysia, Maldives, Thailand, Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
Visa-On-Arrival or e-Visa Options
Sri Lanka, Macau, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines are among the countries offering visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for Indian passport holders.
Regional Distribution
The list spans across various regions, with 19 countries in Africa, 18 in Asia, 10 in North America, 10 in Oceania, and 1 in South America offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Indian passport holders.
Global Rankings
Singapore tops the Henley Passport Index 2025 with access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow closely behind in second and third place, respectively. The UK and the US have slipped slightly in the rankings, with the UK at sixth place and the US at tenth place.
China has made significant improvements, moving up from 94th to 60th since 2015. Seven European countries (Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain) are tied for third place, each offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 destinations. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden share the fourth position. New Zealand, Greece, and Switzerland are in fifth place, providing extensive global travel freedom.
Demand for Alternative Residence and Citizenship
Dr. Steffen noted that as the US and UK adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, there has been a significant rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security. He stated that Americans are currently leading global demand for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also ranking among the top five worldwide.
Passports as Symbols of Diplomatic Influence
Steffen emphasized that passports are no longer just travel documents but also reflect a country's diplomatic influence and international relationships. He underlined the importance of passport strength in today's globalised world.
Travelers are advised to verify visa requirements on official government websites before planning their trips, as rules can differ from country to country. It is also recommended to consult the Henley Passport Index official report or detailed listings from authoritative sources for the full and precise list of all 59 countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Indian passport holders in 2025.
The Henley Passport Index 2025 report indicates that Indian passport holders can travel to a variety of destinations, with countries like Malaysia, Maldives, and Thailand offering visa-free access, while Sri Lanka, Macau, Indonesia, Myanmar, and the Philippines offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa options. Additionally, lifestyles of Indian travelers have been broadened as they can now explore a range of global destinations.
