The Henley Passport Index 2025 has once again drawn attention worldwide — and the latest rankings contain both surprises and setbacks for India. This year, India’s passport rank has fallen to 85th place, meaning Indian citizens can now access only 57 countries visa-free. Meanwhile, Singapore retains the top position, granting visa-free access to 193 countries.
The Henley Passport Index, published annually since 2005, evaluates the “strength” of passports based on the number of countries the holder can enter without needing a visa. This year’s data show a slip for India by five positions, from 80 to 85, reflecting tighter global regulations and shifting international relations.
Singapore continues to lead the pack, with 190 countries accessible from South Korea’s passport (ranked second), and Japan close behind with 189 visa-free destinations (ranked third). Several European nations, including Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland, are tied in the fourth position with access to 188 countries. Next in line are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, and the Netherlands, among others, making up the top five blocks with access to over 185 countries.
In contrast, neighboring nations find themselves much further down the ladder. Pakistan ranks 103rd, allowing visa-free access to just 31 countries. Bangladesh falls at 100th, Nepal at 101st, and Afghanistan sits at the bottom, with access to only 24 countries without visa requirements.
A notable change this year: the United States has slipped out of the top 10 for the first time, falling to 12th place. US citizens now enjoy visa-free entry to 180 countries.
The shifting rankings underscore a larger trend: passport strength is not static. Diplomatic ties, international law, geopolitical shifts, and bilateral visa agreements all influence where a passport lands on the scale. For Indians, the slide is a reminder of both the privileges and limitations of global mobility in changing times.
