In 2025, Indian passport holders gain visa-free access to 59 countries, as per the Henley Passport Index.
The Indian passport has climbed eight places to 77th on the Henley Passport Index 2025, granting access to 59 destinations either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival privileges. While this is a significant improvement, it still lags behind the leading countries in the index.
Singapore tops the Henley Passport Index 2025 with access to an impressive 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow closely, tied at second place, each offering access to 190 countries. Seven European countries—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain—are tied for third, each granting access to 189 destinations.
For Indian passport holders seeking visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to other countries, some notable options include Malaysia, Indonesia, the Maldives, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar.
Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, emphasized that passports are no longer just travel documents but also reflect a country's diplomatic influence and international relationships. In an era marked by growing inequality and geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning have become more important than ever.
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. Dr. Juerg Steffen stated that Americans are currently leading global demand for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also ranking among the top five worldwide.
The Henley Passport Index now includes 30 countries offering visa-free entry to Indian passport holders, including Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Macao, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Nepal, Niue, Phillips, Rwanda, Senegal, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu.
Saudi Arabia has made the largest gain in 2025, adding four destinations since January and reaching access to 91 countries. Seychelles offers an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Indian passport holders, a digital travel permit allowing short-term visa-free visits or transit.
As the world continues to evolve, the importance of passport mobility and strategic planning cannot be overstated. For Indian passport holders, understanding the visa requirements and opportunities available can open up a world of possibilities.
[1] https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/henley-passport-index/ [2] https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/henley-passport-index/rankings/ [3] https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/henley-passport-index/visa-free-travel/india/ [4] https://www.henleyglobal.com/research/henley-passport-index/visa-free-travel/india/visa-free-countries/
- With an improved Indian passport offering access to travel destinations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, it is clear that one's lifestyle can be greatly expanded beyond the country's borders.
- As the CEO of Henley & Partners, Steffen stresses that a passport is not merely a travel document, but also acts as a symbol of a country's diplomatic influence and international relationships, making strategic travel planning more vital in an era of growing inequality and geopolitical uncertainty.
