India’s improved ranking in the 2022 Henley Passport Index places it at 83, a significant improvement from the previous year when it held the 90th place. The index, known for being a comprehensive ranking of the world’s passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without requiring a visa, showed India climbing up seven places in the first quarter of 2022 alone.
About the Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index, originally created by Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, has been the go-to resource for passport power rankings since its inception in 2006. Updated in real-time to reflect changes in visa policies, the index derives its data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA maintains the largest and most accurate database of travel information in the world, making the Henley Passport Index one of the most reliable sources of passport power rankings. As of now, the index includes 199 different passports.
Global Rankings in the Henley Passport Index
The latest ranking saw Japan and Singapore secure the top spot, demonstrating the strongest passports in the world. Germany and South Korea followed closely, jointly holding the second position. Finland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Spain tied for the third spot. At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan and Iraq hold the weakest passports, limiting their international travel capability.
India’s Performance in the Henley Passport Index
In recent years, India’s rank has seen steady improvement. In 2016, India ranked 85th alongside Mali and Uzbekistan, and stood at 84 in 2020. This year, India has moved up to 83rd position, sharing this ranking with Sao Tome and Principe, a Central African nation. Currently, they are behind Rwanda and Uganda.
The recent advancement in rank is due, in part, to the country’s broadened visa-free access. Indian passport holders now can travel to 60 destinations worldwide without needing a visa. Oman and Armenia are the latest additions to this list, and since 2006, India has added 35 more destinations to its visa-free travel list.
The Henley Passport Index remains a valuable resource for evaluating the power of passports based on visa-free accessibility. The rise in India’s rank demonstrates an improvement in its international travel capabilities, visa-free access, and overall global standing.
