The July 2025 Henley Passport Index ranked Singapore’s passport as the most powerful, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations, while India jumped eight places to the 77th rank with access to 59 destinations. Published by Henley & Partners, the index measures global travel freedom by comparing the number of destinations each passport can access without a prior visa, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Key Highlights of the Index
- 1st place: Singapore holds the top spot, with its passport holders able to access 193 destinations visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival.
- 2nd place: Japan and South Korea are tied for second, with visa-free access to 190 destinations.
- 3rd place: Seven European Union nations are tied for third place with access to 189 destinations: Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain.
- Other top performers: The United Arab Emirates made the most significant 10-year climb, rising from 42nd to 8th place.
- Afghanistan remains at the bottom, holding the lowest rank with access to only 25 destinations.
India’s performance
- Significant climb: India recorded its biggest-ever leap in the index, climbing eight spots to 77th place from 85th in the January 2025 edition.
- Improved access: Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 destinations visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival, an increase from 57 in 2024.
- New destinations: The Philippines and Sri Lanka are the two newly added visa-free destinations for Indians.
- Regional standing: India ranks 5th among Asian countries, ahead of neighbours like Bangladesh (98th) and Pakistan (106th).
- Historical context: India’s rank has fluctuated over the years, from its highest point at 71st in 2006 to its lowest at 90th in 2021 during COVID-19 restrictions.
What the Index Means
- Global Mobility: The index provides a benchmark for the global mobility and travel freedom afforded by different passports.
- Methodology: Henley & Partners uses data from IATA, the trade body for 300 airlines, to determine the visa-free score for each of the 199 passports listed against 227 travel destinations.
- Quarterly Updates: The index is updated quarterly to reflect changes in visa policies and international agreements.
Significance for India
- The eight-place jump to the 77th rank is India’s biggest improvement in recent years.
- This enhanced ranking indicates improved diplomatic ties and international opportunities for Indian citizens.
- The addition of countries like the Philippines and Sri Lanka to the visa-free list has contributed to this rise.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
With reference to the Henley Passport Index, consider the following statements:
I. Singapore has been ranked as the most powerful passport in the July 2025 index
II. The index is published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) I only
b) II only
c) Both I and II
d) Neither I nor II
Answer: a
Explanation: Statement I is correct: According to the July 2025 Henley Passport Index, Singapore’s passport has been ranked as the most powerful. Statement II is Incorrect: The index is published by Henley & Partners, using data from IATA.
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