India’s position in the Henley Passport Index for 2025 has seen a decline. The country now ranks 85th, dropping five places from its previous position of 80th. This index evaluates passports based on their visa-free access to destinations worldwide. Singapore has reclaimed the top position, allowing its passport holders to travel to 195 destinations without a visa.
Overview of the Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It assesses the number of destinations passport holders can access without needing a visa. Countries with greater visa-free access generally indicate stronger diplomatic relations and global mobility.
India’s Passport Ranking Trends
India’s passport ranking has fluctuated over the past two decades. The highest rank was 71st in 2006. However, from 2015 to 2021, the ranking fell , reaching 90th in 2021. This decline was largely attributed to global travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the ranking has improved gradually, moving to 80th in 2024 and now to 85th in 2025.
Comparison with Other Countries
Recently, Singapore leads with visa-free access to 195 destinations. Japan follows in second place with access to 193 destinations. Several European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, and South Korea, share third place with access to 192 destinations each. In contrast, India’s passport allows visa-free travel to 57 countries.
Notable Changes in Rankings
The UAE has made a remarkable leap in the index, now ranking 10th. Its passport offers access to 185 destinations, increase from just 72 destinations in 2015. Conversely, the US and UK have experienced declines. The US fell from 2nd to 9th place, while the UK dropped from 1st in 2015 to 5th in 2025.
China’s Rising Status
China has made substantial progress in the Henley Passport Index. It climbed from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025, allowing visa-free access to 85 destinations. Additionally, China has improved its position in the Henley Openness Index, now ranking 80th, with visa-free access to 58 countries. This growth contrasts with the US, which ranks 84th with access to only 46 countries.
Implications of the Rankings
Passport rankings can influence travel, trade, and international relations. Higher rankings often correlate with stronger diplomatic ties and increased global mobility. The decline in rankings for countries like the US and UK may reflect changing geopolitical dynamics and evolving travel policies.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of the Henley Passport Index on international relations.
- What are the factors contributing to India’s fluctuating passport ranking? Explain.
- Explain the significance of visa-free access in global diplomacy. Provide suitable examples.
- What is the relationship between economic strength and passport power? Discuss with examples.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of the Henley Passport Index on international relations.
- The index reflects a country’s diplomatic relationships; stronger ties often result in better passport rankings.
- Higher rankings can enhance a nation’s global standing and attractiveness for tourism and business.
- Declines in rankings may indicate geopolitical tensions or deteriorating relationships with other countries.
- Countries may adjust foreign policies or pursue bilateral agreements to improve their rankings.
- The index serves as a benchmark for nations to assess their global mobility and competitiveness.
2. What are the factors contributing to India’s fluctuating passport ranking? Explain.
- Global travel restrictions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, impacted India’s ranking.
- Changes in diplomatic relations with other nations can affect visa agreements and access.
- Economic factors and national security policies influence the ability to negotiate visa-free agreements.
- Improvements in global perception and soft power can lead to better rankings over time.
- Regional stability and international cooperation play a role in enhancing passport strength.
3. Explain the significance of visa-free access in global diplomacy. Provide suitable examples.
- Visa-free access encourages stronger bilateral relationships, facilitating trade and tourism.
- Countries with visa-free agreements often experience increased foreign direct investment (FDI).
- Examples include the Schengen Area, which allows free movement among European nations, enhancing regional cooperation.
- Visa-free access can be a tool for soft power, as seen in the UAE’s rise in passport strength.
- It reflects mutual trust and respect between nations, essential for effective diplomacy.
4. What is the relationship between economic strength and passport power? Discuss with examples.
- Economically strong countries can negotiate better visa agreements, leading to higher passport rankings.
- For instance, Singapore’s strong economy allows it to secure extensive visa-free access.
- Economic stability encourages international confidence, making countries more attractive for travel and investment.
- Conversely, weaker economies may struggle to negotiate favorable visa terms, as seen with some developing nations.
- Countries like China have improved their passport power alongside economic growth, reflecting this relationship.
