India’s passport has advanced to the 75th position on the latest Henley Passport Index, showcasing an improvement from its 85th rank last year. This progress signifies enhanced international access for Indian travelers, with 56 countries now offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry. The Henley Passport Index evaluates passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a visa, indicating increased global mobility and convenience for citizens.
The recent climb in rankings is a positive development for India, indicating better passport performance. However, the long-term trajectory has been inconsistent, with the country’s highest-ever ranking of 71st achieved in 2006. Despite the recent improvement, India’s passport still falls short of its historical peak.
Singapore maintains its top position globally, granting visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea share the second spot, with entry to 187 countries each. Sweden and the United Arab Emirates jointly hold third place, offering access to 186 destinations. European nations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland share the fourth rank, with visa-free access to 185 destinations.
Austria, Greece, Malta, and Portugal closely follow in fifth place, with entry to 184 countries. Noteworthy countries with robust passports such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand secure positions in the top 10 due to their extensive global travel privileges.
