India makes biggest jump to 77th in Global Passport rankings; Singapore continues to hold the top spot

Economic Times

a day ago

Agencies Singapore has retained its position at the top of the Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free access to 193 out of 227 global destinations. The ranking, published in July 2025, is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and reflects the number of destinations a passport allows entry without a prior visa.Asian neighbours Japan and South Korea follow in joint second place, with visa-free access to 190 destinations each.
European Nations maintain strong presence
Seven European Union nations - Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain are tied in third place, each with access to 189 destinations. The fourth spot is shared by Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden, all offering entry to 188 destinations. New Zealand breaks into the top five along with Greece and Switzerland, each providing access to 187 destinations.
India jumps eight ranks, shows strongest gain
India has recorded the largest improvement since January 2025, moving up eight spots from 85th to 77th, with visa-free access to 59 destinations. The sharp rise is attributed to diplomatic outreach and increased bilateral agreements, despite only two new additions in visa-free access.Saudi Arabia also made gains, adding four destinations and moving up four spots to 54th with 91 destinations.
UK and US slide further in rankings
The United Kingdom has dropped to 6th place, offering visa-free access to 186 countries, while the United States now ranks 10th with access to 182 destinations. Both countries have steadily fallen in rankings over the past decade. Notably, this is the first time the US is at risk of falling out of the Top 10.Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, founder of the index, stated, 'The consolidation we're seeing at the top underscores that access is earned — and must be maintained — through active and strategic diplomacy. Nations that proactively negotiate visa waivers and nurture reciprocal agreements continue to rise, while the opposite applies to those that are less engaged in such efforts.'
UAE and China drive long-term mobility growth
The United Arab Emirates has climbed 34 ranks over the past decade to 8th place, the only nation among the biggest risers to break into the Top 10. China also moved up 34 spots, from 94th to 60th, largely due to increased openness and visa reciprocity.According to the Henley Openness Index, China has granted visa-free access to 75 countries, a significant rise from fewer than 20 five years ago. Recent additions include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Latin American countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
Top 10 most powerful passports:
Rank Country Visa-Free Destinations 1 Singapore 193 2 Japan, South Korea 190 3 Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain 189 4 Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden 188 5 Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland 187 6 Australia, Czech Republic, Poland, United Kingdom 186 7 Canada, Hungary, United States 182 8 Estonia, Lithuania, United Arab Emirates 181 9 Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia 180 10 Iceland 179
Global mobility gap widens
Afghanistan remains the lowest-ranked passport, offering visa-free access to just 25 destinations, highlighting a gap of 168 countries compared to Singapore.Only 16 countries have dropped in ranking over the past decade. Venezuela recorded the sharpest decline, falling 15 places to 45th. The US dropped eight places, followed by Vanuatu (-6), the UK (-5), and Canada (-4).
Air travel demand rises with Asia-Pacific in lead
Global air travel demand rose 5.8% in the first five months of 2025, with Asia-Pacific carriers showing the strongest growth at 9.5%, according to IATA. In contrast, North America saw a slower international growth rate of 1.8%, with a 1% contraction in its domestic market.
Passport power now reflects Global strategy
Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, noted a shift in global strategy, with more individuals from traditionally strong passport countries now seeking alternative citizenships.According to the report by Henley & Partners, 'Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally. Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships,' said Steffen.
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