Explained: Why India’s Passport Has Slipped in Global Rankings

A recent global study shows that the Indian passport’s strength has declined, slipping to 85th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, which measures how many destinations a country’s citizens can visit without a visa. India’s ranking has fallen by five positions compared to last year, sparking discussion about what this means for travellers and the country’s global influence.

The issue gained public attention earlier this year after a travel influencer’s viral video highlighted the difficulties Indians face when applying for visas to Western nations. He pointed out that while countries like Bhutan and Sri Lanka are more accessible to Indian tourists, getting approval for destinations in Europe or North America remains a lengthy and expensive process.

A Global Comparison

According to the report, Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to 57 countries, the same as citizens of Mauritania, which shares the 85th rank. In contrast, Singapore tops the 2025 index with 193 visa-free destinations, followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189).

Interestingly, several nations with smaller economies — such as Azerbaijan (72nd), Ghana (74th), and Rwanda (78th) — now rank higher than India, even though India is the world’s fifth-largest economy.

Why the Decline?

Experts say India’s fall in the rankings isn’t due to losing many visa-free partnerships but rather the rapid growth in travel agreements among other countries. Global mobility has nearly doubled in the last two decades, with the average number of visa-free destinations increasing from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2025, according to Henley & Partners.

For example, China has expanded its visa-free access from 50 countries in 2015 to 82 in 2025, improving its rank from 94th to 60th. Meanwhile, India’s growth in access has been slower — from 52 destinations in 2014 to 57 this year — limiting its rise on the global index.

A Decade of Fluctuations

India’s passport rankings have largely remained in the 80–90 range over the past ten years. While 2014 saw India in 76th place, it fell to the 85th position in 2015, then improved slightly to 80th in 2023–24 before dropping again this year.

Even though more countries now offer visa-free entry to Indian citizens than a decade ago, other nations have expanded their mobility faster — pushing India relatively lower in the standings.

What It Means

A country’s passport strength often reflects its global influence and diplomatic reach. A weaker ranking can translate to longer visa processes, higher travel costs, and fewer business or educational opportunities for its citizens.

The Indian government has yet to comment on the 2025 Henley Passport Index. The Ministry of External Affairs has been contacted for an official response.