India passport ranking

The Indian passport holds a moderate position in global rankings, reflecting the country’s growing international presence while still facing certain travel restrictions compared to leading nations. As of 2025, India’s passport ranks 77th globally on the Henley Passport Index, which evaluates the strength of passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa.

Overview of India’s Passport Strength

Indian citizens can currently enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 59 countries and territories around the world. These include a combination of Asian, African, Caribbean, and Pacific destinations that allow Indian travellers entry with minimal formalities.
Despite this, Indian passport holders still require pre-approved visas for most destinations in Europe, North America, and parts of East Asia, where entry regulations remain stricter.

Comparative Context

In the global mobility landscape, India’s passport is positioned in the upper-middle tier. While it lags behind countries such as Japan, Singapore, and several European Union members — which top the global index with visa-free access to over 190 countries — it remains stronger than several of its South Asian neighbours.
For instance:

• India ranks notably higher than Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, whose passports have more limited visa-free access.
• Within Asia, India continues to improve its standing due to expanding diplomatic engagements, bilateral agreements, and trade partnerships that encourage simplified travel.

Factors Influencing the Ranking

Several elements contribute to the ranking of India’s passport, including:

• Diplomatic Relations: Stronger bilateral ties often result in relaxed visa norms and reciprocal travel privileges.
• Economic Growth: As India’s global economic profile rises, more countries are expected to consider visa relaxations for Indian citizens.
• Security and Immigration Policies: Global mobility rankings also reflect international perceptions of travel security, document integrity, and immigration compliance.
• International Agreements: Ongoing negotiations with countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America may expand India’s future visa-free access.

Global Comparison

The world’s strongest passports — such as those of Japan, Singapore, France, and Germany — allow visa-free access to nearly 190 or more countries. In comparison, India’s access to 59 destinations indicates considerable room for improvement but also represents steady progress over the years.
India’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships, expand e-visa agreements, and streamline its passport system continue to enhance its global mobility score.