Indian Passport Gains Ground: 59 Visa-Free Destinations Now Accessible

India climbs eight spots to 77th position on Henley Passport Index 2025, signalling improved global mobility for travellers.

Indian passport holders have reason to celebrate as the country's travel document has strengthened its global standing, jumping from 85th to 77th position on the prestigious Henley Passport Index 2025. This significant eight-rank improvement comes after a disappointing five-position drop last year, marking a welcome turnaround for Indian travellers.

The enhanced ranking means Indian citizens now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations worldwide. While the numerical increase is modest adding just two new countries the upward trajectory reflects India's growing diplomatic influence and international cooperation.

Among the most sought-after visa-free destinations for Indians are Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand, perfect for those seeking tropical getaways. Countries offering visa-on-arrival include Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Qatar, providing additional flexibility for spontaneous travel plans.

The two newest additions to India's visa-free list are the Philippines and Sri Lanka, expanding options for both leisure and business travellers in the region.

While India's progress is encouraging, Asian powerhouses continue to dominate the global rankings. Singapore maintains its top position with access to 193 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea at 190 destinations each. European nations like Germany, France, and Italy occupy third place with 189 accessible countries.

At the opposite end, Afghanistan ranks lowest with visa-free access to merely 25 destinations, highlighting the stark disparities in global mobility.

Though India's advancement may appear gradual, it represents meaningful progress in international relations. As more nations recognise India's economic growth and diplomatic stability, travel opportunities for Indian passport holders are expected to expand further, making global exploration increasingly accessible for the country's growing middle class.