India Slips to 85th on Henley Passport Index Despite More Visa-Free Destinations
India’s position in the global passport ranking has fallen further. According to the Henley Passport Index, the country now ranks 85th, a decline of five places from the previous year.
The report notes that smaller economies such as Rwanda, Ghana, and Azerbaijan are ranked higher than India.
The Paradox: More Destinations, Lower Rank
The data shows a paradox: although India’s visa-free access increased to 57 destinations in 2025 (up from 52 in 2015), its ranking has remained stuck at 85th, the same as the previous year.
Experts suggest the core reason for the drop is the intensity of global travel competition. Countries are rapidly increasing their travel partnerships with each other.
According to the 2025 Henley & Partners report, the average number of visa-free destinations for a traveler has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2025. For example, China has increased its visa-free destinations from 50 to 82 over the past decade, causing its ranking to jump from 94th to 60th.
Factors Behind India’s Low Ranking
Former Indian Ambassador to Armenia, Achal Malhotra, provided several reasons why India’s passport power is not solely dependent on visa-free access:
1. International Image and Stability
Malhotra believes that the strength of a passport relies on a country’s economic and political stability and its international image.
• He recalls that in the 1970s, Indians enjoyed visa-free travel to many Western and European countries. However, the Khalistan movement in the 1980s and subsequent political turmoil weakened India’s global image.
2. Migration and Overstay Concerns
Malhotra notes that many countries are now wary of immigrants. India’s reputation is being tarnished because a large number of people from India either immigrate to other countries or overstay their visas after their permitted duration expires.
3. Security Risks and Bureaucracy
The Indian passport also continues to face security risks:
• In 2024, Delhi Police arrested 203 individuals for passport forgery and fraud.
• India’s own cumbersome immigration process and slow visa processing also negatively affect the country’s international image.
