India’s Passport Drops to 85th in Global Ranking, Visa-Free Access Shrinks to 57 Destinations

India’s passport has fallen significantly in global rankings for 2025, dropping to 85th place according to the Henley Passport Index, with holders now enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 57 destinations[1][3]. This decline reflects a combination of shifting international policies, changing global mobility trends, and evolving geopolitical factors.

Understanding the Henley Passport Index

The Henley Passport Index is a widely recognized measure of passport strength, ranking passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without needing a pre-arranged visa. Updated monthly, the index relies on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and tracks 199 passports and 227 travel destinations[3][5]. The higher the number of visa-free destinations, the stronger the passport is considered.

India’s Passport: Recent Performance

• In 2025, India’s passport slipped to 85th place, down from 80th in 2024 and 77th earlier in July 2025[1][3].
• The visa-free/visa-on-arrival access for Indian citizens has dropped to 57 countries, compared to 59 last year[1][3].
• India’s best-ever ranking was 71st in 2006, while its lowest was 90th in 2021[3].

Why Has India’s Passport Ranking Fallen?

Several key factors have contributed to this downward trend:

• Revocation of Visa-Free Privileges: In 2025, two countries revoked visa-free privileges for Indian passport holders, immediately impacting the ranking[3].
• Global Mobility Trends: Many countries are tightening border controls and revising visa policies in response to changing migration patterns, security concerns, and diplomatic relations[3].
• Economic and Political Considerations: Former Indian ambassador Achal Malhotra highlights that economic stability, political conditions, and the perception of migration risks play a major role in how other nations determine visa policies for Indian citizens[3].
• Relative Performance: While India’s passport has declined, other countries—like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan—have maintained or improved their global mobility, further widening the gap[1].

Comparison: Regional and Global Context

India’s passport, while stronger than some of its South Asian neighbors, lags far behind the global leaders, whose citizens enjoy nearly three times as much travel freedom[1][3].

Diplomatic and Policy Influences

• Bilateral Relations: Visa agreements are often a reflection of diplomatic ties. Strained relations or concerns about illegal migration can lead to revocation of visa-free access.
• Security and Migration: Nations are increasingly concerned about security and managing migration flows. This sometimes results in stricter visa requirements for countries perceived to have higher risks.
• Global Perception: The perceived stability, economic health, and governance of a country can influence how other nations view its citizens’ mobility.

The Broader Implications for Indian Travelers

The decline in ranking means:
– More Visa Applications: Indian travelers face more paperwork, longer processing times, and higher costs when planning international trips.
– Impact on Business and Education: Reduced global mobility can affect business expansion, international collaborations, and opportunities for students.
– Social and Cultural Exchange: Fewer visa-free destinations can limit the ease of travel for personal, cultural, and tourism purposes.

Can India Improve Its Passport Power?

There are steps that could potentially reverse the trend:
– Strengthening Diplomatic Engagement: Proactively negotiating visa agreements and fostering stronger ties can help regain lost ground.
– Enhancing Security and Documentation: Improving border security and adopting globally recognized travel documentation standards can bolster trust.
– Economic Growth and Stability: As India’s economy grows and stabilizes, its global image may improve, which can positively affect visa negotiations.

Conclusion

The fall in India’s passport ranking in 2025 is a complex issue driven by changing international relations, evolving security concerns, and global mobility trends. While India’s passport still offers access to more destinations than some regional neighbors, the gap with leading countries is widening[1][3]. Addressing this challenge will require strategic diplomatic, economic, and policy initiatives to restore and expand the travel freedoms enjoyed by Indian citizens.

Original source: BBC News – World – Why the Indian passport is falling in global ranking