India’s Passport Power Dips to 85th in Global Ranking, US Falls from Grace

India’s passport has slipped to 85th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. This marks a decline in global mobility for its citizens. Indian passport holders can now visit 57 countries visa-free, down from 59 last year.

The United States has also seen a dramatic fall. It dropped out of the top 10 for the first time in two decades. This shift signals a major change in global travel freedom dynamics.

Asia Dominates the Top of the Passport Power List

Singapore now holds the world’s most powerful passport. Its citizens enjoy visa-free access to 193 global destinations. This information comes from the latest Henley Passport Index data.

South Korea and Japan follow closely behind. They share the second spot with access to 192 countries. European nations like Germany, Italy, and Spain also feature prominently in the top ten.

The ranking reflects strong diplomatic relations and stable international policies. It provides significant travel convenience for millions of people.

Understanding India’s Position and Regional Standing

India’s drop to 85th place continues a pattern of fluctuation. The passport now offers visa-free travel to 57 nations. This is a reduction from its 2024 standing.

According to Reuters, the index is a key measure of global mobility. It ranks all 199 of the world’s passports. The data is updated in real-time throughout the year.

India’s neighbors show varied results. Pakistan ranks 103rd with access to 31 countries. Bangladesh sits at 100th place, offering 38 visa-free destinations.

Bhutan performs better in the region. It holds the 92nd position with access to 50 nations.

The Surprising Decline of the US Passport

The United States now ranks 12th globally. This is its lowest position since the index began. American citizens can travel to 180 destinations without a prior visa.

Analysts point to a growing imbalance. The US offers visa-free access to citizens of only 46 countries. This ranks America 77th globally in terms of openness to foreign travelers.

This disparity has led to reciprocal policy changes. Brazil reinstated visa requirements for Americans in 2024. Other nations like Vietnam and China have also excluded the US from recent visa-waiver programs.

The 2025 Henley Passport Index reveals a significant global reshuffling of travel freedom, with Asian nations solidifying their lead and traditional powers like the US seeing their passport strength wane.

Thought you’d like to know

Which country has the world’s strongest passport in 2025?

Singapore holds the top spot. Its passport allows visa-free entry to 193 countries. This is the highest level of access currently available.

How many countries can an Indian passport access visa-free?

An Indian passport provides visa-free access to 57 nations. This includes destinations like Bhutan, Indonesia, and Mauritius. The number has decreased from 59 last year.

Why did the US passport ranking fall?

The US ranking fell due to reciprocal visa policies. Many countries now require visas from Americans because the US requires them in return. This has reduced its global mobility score.

What is the world’s weakest passport?

Afghanistan has the world’s least powerful passport. It offers visa-free access to just 24 destinations. Syria and Iraq follow with 26 and 29 countries respectively.

How is the Henley Passport Index calculated?

The index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association. It compares the visa-free access of 199 different passports to 227 travel destinations. The ranking is updated in real-time.