Global Passport Rankings 2025: India Drops To 85th, US Falls Out Of Top 10, Singapore Leads

India's passport has slipped to 85th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, providing visa-free access to 57 countries, down from 59 last year. Meanwhile, the United States, historically among the strongest passports, has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in two decades, now ranking 12th.

The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking of countries based on the travel freedom their ordinary passports grant to citizens. Launched in 2005 as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index, it was rebranded as the Henley Passport Index in January 2018.

Which Country Has the Strongest Passport?

Singapore tops the 2025 index, allowing access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea and Japan, highlighting Asia's growing influence in global mobility. European countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland also remain prominent in the top 10, reflecting stable diplomacy and openness to travel.

India's Passport: Current Status

India's ranking has seen wide fluctuations over the years, from a high of 71 in 2006 to a low of 90 in 2021. In 2024, it stood at 80th place. Currently, Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to 12 countries, including Bhutan, Indonesia, Mauritius, Nepal, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, visas on arrival are available in 27 countries, including Sri Lanka, Maldives, Jordan, Qatar, Bolivia, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Samoa, Tanzania, and Timor-Leste. Overall, India's passport mobility remains moderate.

How Do India's Neighbors Fare?

Among South Asian nations, Pakistan ranks 103rd, with visa-free access to 31 destinations. Bangladesh is 100th with 38 visa-free countries, while Nepal stands at 101st, allowing access to 36 countries. Bhutan ranks 92nd, with citizens able to travel to 50 nations without a visa, reflecting slightly stronger mobility than its neighbors.

Why the US Passport Has Fallen

The United States has seen a steady decline in passport strength. Once ranked No. 1 in 2014, it now sits at its lowest-ever position in the top 10. While Americans can travel visa-free to 180 countries, the US grants visa-free access to only 46 nations, ranking 77th globally in openness. This imbalance has led to reciprocal restrictions from other countries. For instance, Brazil reinstated visa requirements for Americans in 2024, and countries like Vietnam, China, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, and Somalia have also limited access for US citizens.

World's Least Powerful Passports

At the bottom of the 2025 index, Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, offering visa-free access to only 24 destinations, followed by Syria (26 countries) and Iraq (29 countries).