Civil Aviation
Henley Passport Index 2025: India Drops to 85th, US Loses Top 10 Spot
Global passport rankings are out for 2025, and there are some big changes. India’s passport has fallen in rank, while the United States has dropped out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years. Meanwhile, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan remain the world’s most powerful passports.
India’s Passport Drops
According to the report, Henley Passport Index 2025, India now ranks 85th, giving visa-free access to 57 countries, down from 59 last year.
US Falls in Rankings
The United States, which was once the world’s most powerful passport, is now 12th, tied with Malaysia. Citizens of both countries can travel to 180 countries without a visa.
Top 10 Most Powerful Passports 2025
| Rank | Country/Countries | Visa-Free Access |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 193 |
| 2 | South Korea | 190 |
| 3 | Japan | 189 |
| 4 | Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland | 188 |
| 5 | Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Netherlands | 187 |
| 6 | Greece, Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden | 186 |
| 7 | Australia, Czechia, Malta, Poland | 185 |
| 8 | Croatia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, UAE, UK | 184 |
| 9 | Canada | 183 |
| 10 | Latvia, Liechtenstein | 182 |
Neighbours’ Rankings
- Pakistan: 103rd (31 visa-free countries)
- Bangladesh: 100th (38 countries)
- Nepal: 101st (36 countries)
- Bhutan: 92nd (50 countries)
- Sri Lanka: 98th (41 countries)
Least Powerful Passports:
- Afghanistan: 24 countries
- Syria: 26 countries
- Iraq: 29 countries
Conclusion:
The 2025 Henley Passport Index shows that travel freedom is changing. While Singapore, Japan, and South Korea have the strongest passports, India’s ranking has fallen, and the US has lost its top 10 spot. Passport strength matters for global travel, work, and business opportunities.
