- By Akansha Pandey
- Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:51 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India has recorded a historic jump in the global Henley Passport Index 2025 after the country’s passport rank climbed eight spots to reach 77 from 85th rank. As a result, now Indian passport holders can enjoy visa-on-arrival or visa-free facilities in 59 destinations.
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations they can travel to without a prior visa. On this scale, India still lags behind countries such as Singapore (top with 193 destinations), Japan and South Korea, but it is steadily closing the gap. This remarkable gain puts India in a better position than many neighbouring countries and is a significant milestone towards increasing access to global travel.
Indian citizens get direct benefits from the improved ranking of passports. International travelling is now more accessible to students, tourists, families or business people. Strengthening of the Indian passport means easier travel opportunities and a reduction in the complexities, expenses and stress associated with visa processes.
How A Powerful Passport Benefits Indian Travellers?
A powerful passport is beneficial in many ways for those who travel frequently, be it businessmen, students or tourists. Its main benefits include:
Simple procedures: Having a strong passport reduces the need to visit embassies and pay fees to agents, thereby reducing paperwork.
Quick travel: You can plan travel even at the last minute, as a powerful passport saves you from long and tedious visa application processes.
Saving money: When your passport facilitates visa-free entry or an e-visa, you avoid expenses like visa fees and couriers in many cases.
Better opportunities around the world: A strong passport opens doors to global opportunities for you, making it easier to plan sudden trips, stopovers between international flights and take long trips.
List Of Countries Where Indian Passport Holders Can Travel To Without A Visa
Below is a list of destinations Indian passport holders can currently enter visa-free.
Asia
- Bhutan
- Iran
- Kazakhstan
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Thailand
Africa
- Angola
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Rwanda
- Senegal
Oceania (Pacific Islands)
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Micronesia
- Niue
- Vanuatu
Caribbean
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- British Virgin Islands
It is important to note that even "visa-free" travel may have certain terms and conditions, which vary from country to country. For example, Indian passport holders travelling to Thailand are required to apply for a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) three days before their scheduled date of travel.