Unveiled access to 59 nations sans visas granted to Indian passport holders, experiencing a significant boost in rankings

Unveiled access to 59 nations sans visas granted to Indian passport holders, experiencing a significant boost in rankings

In a significant development, the Indian passport has made a notable leap in the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing eight places from 85th to 77th rank. This improvement marks the biggest-ever leap for India in the index.

The Indian passport now offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations, a jump from 57 in the previous year. The key reasons behind this improvement are the addition of new visa-free travel destinations, diplomatic developments, and changing global mobility trends.

Two new destinations, the Philippines and Sri Lanka, have been added to India's list of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations. This direct increase in the value of the Indian passport in terms of mobility has played a significant role in its improved ranking.

Increased bilateral agreements and diplomatic visa waivers have also allowed Indian passport holders to enjoy easier travel to more countries. This is part of a broader global trend where emerging powers like India are gradually catching up to traditional passport powerhouses through diplomatic efforts that grant Indian travelers easier access to more countries.

The rise in the number of visa-free destinations for the Indian passport is not limited to Asia and Africa but also includes North America and Oceania. Countries offering visa-free access to Indian passport holders include 19 African, 18 Asian, 10 North American territories, and 10 Oceania nations.

The UAE has also seen a significant improvement in its passport power, moving to the 8th place in the Most Powerful Passports in the World, according to the Henley Passport Index. UAE residents, including Indian residents, enjoy visa-free entry to 58 countries, subject to having a valid UAE residence permit.

Other countries offering visa-free entry to UAE residents include the British Virgin Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Qatar, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and others.

Singapore remains at the top of the index, with visa-free access to 193 of 227 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow closely with 190 destinations each. Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan also offer visa-on-arrival or e-Visa facilities.

It is important to note that while these improvements offer greater travel convenience, it is crucial to double-check each country's entry rules ahead of time. Duration, eTA requirements, health documents, and renewals of bilateral agreements may affect eligibility.

Ajanta Paul, a Senior Editor on the Digital team, reports on community issues that matter to UAE residents. This improvement in the Indian passport ranking is a testament to the ongoing diplomatic efforts and global mobility trends that are enhancing travel freedom for citizens of emerging economies.

[1] Source: Henley Passport Index 2025 [2] Source: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India [3] Source: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

1. The Indian passport's career in the travel industry has been bolstered by a significant leap in the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing eight places from 85th to 77th rank, marking the biggest-ever leap for India in the index.
2. Pertaining to the entertainment industry, the Indian passport now offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations, a jump from 57 in the previous year, with two new additions, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
3. In the realm of finance and lifestyle, increased bilateral agreements and diplomatic visa waivers have allowed Indian passport holders to enjoy easier travel to more countries, a trend that's observed in many emerging powers like India.
4. Health-wise, it's crucial to double-check each country’s entry rules before travel, as duration, eTA requirements, health documents, and renewals of bilateral agreements may affect eligibility.
5. In the field of technology and general-news, the UAE has also seen a notable improvement in its passport power, moving to the 8th place in the Most Powerful Passports in the World, according to the Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free entry to 58 countries for its residents, including Indian residents.

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