India Rises to 77th on Passport Index, Visa-Free Access Now to 59 Countries

New Delhi, Jul 23 – India has made its biggest leap yet on the Henley Passport Index, jumping eight positions from 85th to 77th place over the last six months. This improvement grants visa-free access to 59 countries, signaling a significant shift in India’s global mobility and diplomatic influence.

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations holders can access without a prior visa. India’s current rank reflects both its expanding international partnerships and the broader reshuffling of global mobility power.

According to Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, “This change marks a transformation in global travel and citizenship planning. Countries like India and Saudi Arabia are climbing steadily, while traditional leaders like the US and UK are experiencing a slow decline.”

The US has dropped to 10th position, and the UK to sixth, as more of their citizens now seek alternative residency and citizenship options due to restrictive travel and inward-looking policies.

Meanwhile, countries like Singapore continue to dominate, retaining the top spot with visa-free access to 193 out of 227 global destinations. Japan and South Korea follow in second place with access to 190 destinations.

India’s current mobility strength not only boosts travel convenience but also reflects enhanced diplomatic relationships, marking its emergence as a rising global power.

In contrast, Afghanistan remains at the bottom, with visa-free access to just 25 countries.

Emerging Trends:

• UAE has entered the top 10, rising 34 spots in the past decade.

• China has climbed from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025.

• Saudi Arabia gained access to four new destinations this year.

This upward trend for India emphasizes that a passport today is more than just a travel document — it’s a symbol of geopolitical alignment and national influence in a changing world.