The Henley Passport Index mid-year update, released on July 22, 2025, has redrawn the global mobility landscape. India surged eight places, climbing from 85th to 77th, marking its biggest leap in over a decade. Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries, including popular destinations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. At the top of the rankings, Singapore has retained its title as the world's most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. The July release is part of Henley & Partners’ quarterly index, which ranks 199 passports by the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
According to Henley & Partners’ CEO, Dr. Juerg Steffen, a passport has become more than a travel document—it’s a reflection of a nation’s diplomatic relationships and global standing.
Global Winners and Losers
India emerged as the biggest mover in the Henley Passport Index’s July 2025 update, leaping eight spots to 77th place with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations. Singapore retained its reign at the top, offering unmatched access to 193 countries. The United Arab Emirates continued its long-term ascent, having climbed 34 positions over the past decade through strategic diplomatic outreach and extensive visa agreements. China followed a similar trajectory, now ranking 60th after gaining 34 spots since 2014, driven by deepening global partnerships. Gulf nations also showed upward momentum—Qatar continued its steady rise fueled by recent tourism and mobility agreements, while Saudi Arabia gained ground thanks to tourism reforms and a diversification-focused foreign policy. Ukraine, despite ongoing conflict, improved its mobility through strengthened EU travel arrangements. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom saw a modest rebound to 6th place, partially recovering from its post-Brexit setbacks. The United States, however, slipped to 10th, marking its lowest position in the index’s 20-year history, and Russia fell further to 52nd amid mounting geopolitical isolation and restricted international access.
While India’s mobility score of 59 destinations remains below the global average of 111, the country’s upward trend reflects growing diplomatic momentum and regional influence. The 2025 update marks a geopolitical realignment in mobility, with Asia and the Middle East seeing steady gains, while traditional Western passport powers such as the U.S. and U.K. face stagnation or decline. As international travel rebounds post-pandemic and visa policies continue to evolve, India's rising passport power signals a new era of global reach for its citizens.
