Indian passport allows visa-free access to 59 countries, sees biggest jump in rankings

The Indian passport has made a major leap in the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing eight places to the 77th rank, up from 85 last year. This marks the biggest six-month jump by any country in the world.

While the number of visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders has only slightly increased from 57 to 59, the broader trend is clear: global mobility is shifting. Emerging powers like the UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, and China are catching up to traditional leaders like the US and UK.

UAE, China, Saudi lead passport rankings

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Among the biggest winners over the past decade is the UAE, which has skyrocketed to the top 10 countries, adding more visa-free destinations than any other country. The UAE is in the 8th place of Most Powerful Passports in the World, according to the Henley Passport Index released on Tuesday.

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China climbed 34 spots to reach 60th, thanks to a surge in diplomatic visa waivers. In 2025 alone, China added visa-free access for Gulf nations like Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, along with South American countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Which is the No 1 passport in the world?

Singapore retained its position at the top of the index, with visa-free access to 193 of 227 destinations. Japan and South Korea followed closely with 190 destinations. Seven EU countries, including France, Germany, and Italy, shared the third spot, while New Zealand joined Greece and Switzerland in fifth.

US passport not the strongest

The US and UK, once ranked first globally, continued their decline. The UK fell to sixth place with access to 186 destinations, and the US dropped to 10th with 182. According to the index, this is the first time the US risks falling out of the top ten altogether.

Visa-free countries for Indian passport holders

Indian citizens can now travel to 59 destinations without needing a visa in advance. Following countries give Indian passport holders visa-free access:

Africa (19 countries): Angola, Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, and Somalia.

Asia (18 countries): Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Macao, Malaysia*, Maldives, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Thailand*, and Timor-Leste.

North America (10 territories): Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Oceania (10 nations): Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

Visa-on-arrival / e-visa access

These destinations offer visa-on-arrival or electronic visa (e-Visa) facilities:

• Macau

• Myanmar

• Nepal

• Bhutan

• Cambodia

• Laos

• Tanzania

• Zimbabwe

• Jordan

• Kenya

• Bolivia

• Iran

• Malawi

Living in the UAE has several advantages, including easy entry to several country. According to Henley & Partners, Indian residents in the UAE enjoy visa‑free entry to 58 countries as a UAE resident, subject to having a valid UAE residence permit.

Some of them are the British Virgin Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Qatar, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and others.

Why did Indian passport ranking improve?

The Indian passport saw a boost in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, thanks to a mix of diplomatic wins, shifting global mobility trends, and new regional visa agreements.

In 2025, India added the Philippines and Sri Lanka to its list of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations, bringing the total to 59. This rise reflects a broader global shift where emerging economies like India, the UAE, China, and Saudi Arabia are expanding travel agreements and gaining influence, while traditional powers see declining access. Strengthened bilateral ties across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, especially with Asean nations, the GCC, and African countries, have led to more relaxed visa norms and new visa-waiver agreements, making travel easier for Indian passport holders.

*Malaysia (visa-free until Dec 2026), Thailand (requires ETA)

*Double-check each country’s entry rules ahead of time; duration, eTA requirements, health documents and renewals of bilateral agreements may affect eligibility.

• India

Ajanta Paul

Staff Writer

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ajanta@khaleejtimes.com

Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.