Henley Passport Index: India Stays At 80th As Singapore Retains Top Position

Henley Passport Index data shows India now occupies the 80th position, sharing the rank with Algeria and Niger.

Singapore leads the index with visa-free access to 192 countries. Japan, with access to 188 countries, and South Korea follow closely. The rankings emphasise the link between travel freedom and economic strength.

Travellers from India can now enjoy visa-free access to parts of Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and various island nations.

Visas remain necessary for most European countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and large parts of East Asia.

European passports dominate the top 10, offering entry to more than 180 destinations.

Afghanistan continues to hold the weakest passport status, with access to only 24 countries.

The United States returned to the top 10, recovering from a recent dip, even as both the US and UK recorded losses in visa-free access.

Dr Christian H Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the Henley Passport Index, said that global mobility has expanded significantly over the past 20 years, but the benefits remain unevenly distributed.

He further added, “Today, passport privilege plays a decisive role in shaping opportunity, security, and economic participation, with rising average access masking a reality in which mobility advantages are increasingly concentrated among the world’s most economically powerful and politically stable nations.”

Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland occupy the third spot on the index, with access to 186 destinations.

An unprecedented group of ten European nations shares fourth place collectively.

The UAE recorded the greatest improvement over the last 20 years, adding 149 visa-free destinations since 2006.

Sustained diplomatic engagement and visa liberalisation helped the country climb 57 places to fifth, providing access to 184 destinations.

China holds the 59th position, granting visa-free access to 81 destinations.

The Henley Passport Index, however, continues to reflect the economic and political strength of nations in shaping global travel opportunities.