According to the latest Henley Passport Index, India has climbed to the 80th position, indicating a positive trend in global mobility. This advancement has broadened travel opportunities for Indians, as they can now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 destinations worldwide. The Henley Passport Index, originally developed by Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, is a trusted indicator of global mobility. It uses real-time data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) and covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, providing valuable insights into the strength and mobility of passports worldwide.
India’s journey in the Henley Passport Index has been dynamic, starting at the 76th spot in 2014, facing a dip in 2015 at the 88th rank, and now reaching the 80th rank this year, an improvement from the 87th position last year. This steady growth demonstrates the increasing accessibility for Indian passport holders globally. Nevertheless, Indian citizens still require visas for 177 destinations, including prominent countries like China, Japan, Russia, the United States, and the European Union. However, there are countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Rwanda, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, contributing positively to the global value of an Indian passport.
On another note, the Henley Openness Index indicates India’s rank as 94th out of 97, highlighting the need for India to liberalize its outbound visa policies. In contrast, Singapore now holds the world’s most powerful passport, granting visa-free travel to an impressive 192 destinations. The US slid to the eighth position, while the UK climbed to the fourth place, recovering from its Brexit-induced decline. Interestingly, smaller island nations and African states topped the list as the ‘most open’ countries, with 12 nations allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to all 198 global passports.
Overall, India’s improved ranking in the Henley Passport Index reflects its evolving global status. While there is room for further improvement, this progress signifies a growing global presence and provides increased international opportunities for Indian citizens.
