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Time of India
18 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Passport index: India makes strongest jump to rank 77th
The Indian passport has made a strong recovery, climbing eight spots in the latest Henley Passport Index, its strongest jump to date. India now holds the 77th position, an improvement from its 85th ranking last year, this comes after last year saw India drop five places in ranking. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Henley Passport Index evaluates the strength of passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa or with visa-on-arrival privileges. This year's advancement signals a positive shift in global mobility for Indian passport holders. The latest improvement comes on the back of 59 destinations Indian passport holders can get a visa free entry to, adding two more destinations to its roster. Some countries which offer visa-free access include Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand, whereas countries that give visa-on-arrival facilities include Sri-Lanka, Macau, Myanmar and others. The latest index highlights a shift in global mobility trends, with Asian nations emerging as the new leaders. India's rise in the rankings comes amid a gradual decline in the strength of traditionally dominant passports like those of the United States and the United Kingdom. '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,' said Dr Christian H Kaelin, inventor of the passport index concept. According to a statement issued by Dr Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, this shift reflects a major transformation in global migration patterns, largely influenced by evolving political dynamics and diplomatic realignments. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally. As the US and UK adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, we're witnessing a marked rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security,' Steffen said in a press release. He went on to emphasise upon the importance of passport rankings as more than just travel ease and convenience. 'Your passport is no longer just a travel document - it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships. In an era of growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever,' While Asian countries like India, UAE, China and Saudi Arabia are steadily improving their mobility scores, the United States and United Kingdom are experiencing a gradual decline. The UK has fallen to sixth place, while the US has dropped to tenth and now sits on the edge of dropping out of the top 10 for the first time in the index's 20-year history. Whereas UAE has jumped 34 spots to enter top 10 at number eight in the last decade, also the only country to break into top 10 in the same duration. China has improved its ranking from 94 in 2015 to 60th this year. Singapore retains its position as the world's most powerful passport, granting visa-free access to 193 destinations. On the other end, Afghanistan ranks lowest, with its passport holders able to travel visa-free to just 25 countries. While there's been some movement at the top, European nations continue to dominate global mobility rankings. Japan and South Korea hold second place with access to 190 destinations, followed by seven EU countries, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Finland, Denmark, and Ireland, tied for third with 189 destinations. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden share fourth place with visa-free access to 188 destinations, while New Zealand, Switzerland, and Greece round out the top five.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Henley passport index: India ranks 77th
The Indian passport has significantly improved its ranking on the Henley Passport Index, climbing to 77th place due to increased visa-free access to 59 destinations. This advancement reflects a broader trend of Asian nations gaining global mobility, while traditionally strong passports like the US and UK are experiencing a decline. The Indian passport has made a strong recovery, climbing eight spots in the latest Henley Passport Index, its strongest jump to date. India now holds the 77th position, an improvement from its 85th ranking last year, this comes after last year saw India drop five places in ranking. The Henley Passport Index evaluates the strength of passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa or with visa-on-arrival privileges. This year's advancement signals a positive shift in global mobility for Indian passport holders. The latest improvement comes on the back of 59 destinations Indian passport holders can get a visa free entry to, adding two more destinations to its roster. Some countries which offer visa-free access include Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand, whereas countries that give visa-on-arrival facilities include Sri-Lanka, Macau, Myanmar and others. The latest index highlights a shift in global mobility trends, with Asian nations emerging as the new leaders. India's rise in the rankings comes amid a gradual decline in the strength of traditionally dominant passports like those of the United States and the United Kingdom. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo '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,' said Dr Christian H Kaelin, inventor of the passport index concept. According to a statement issued by Dr Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, this shift reflects a major transformation in global migration patterns, largely influenced by evolving political dynamics and diplomatic realignments. 'Americans are now leading the demand worldwide for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also among the top five globally. As the US and UK adopt increasingly inward-looking policies, we're witnessing a marked rise in interest from their citizens seeking greater global access and security,' Steffen said in a press release. He went on to emphasise upon the importance of passport rankings as more than just travel ease and convenience. 'Your passport is no longer just a travel document - it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships. In an era of growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever,' While Asian countries like India, UAE, China and Saudi Arabia are steadily improving their mobility scores, the United States and United Kingdom are experiencing a gradual decline. The UK has fallen to sixth place, while the US has dropped to tenth and now sits on the edge of dropping out of the top 10 for the first time in the index's 20-year history. Whereas UAE has jumped 34 spots to enter top 10 at number eight in the last decade, also the only country to break into top 10 in the same duration. China has improved its ranking from 94 in 2015 to 60th this year. Singapore retains its position as the world's most powerful passport, granting visa-free access to 193 destinations. On the other end, Afghanistan ranks lowest, with its passport holders able to travel visa-free to just 25 countries. While there's been some movement at the top, European nations continue to dominate global mobility rankings. Japan and South Korea hold second place with access to 190 destinations, followed by seven EU countries, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Finland, Denmark, and Ireland, tied for third with 189 destinations. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden share fourth place with visa-free access to 188 destinations, while New Zealand, Switzerland, and Greece round out the top five. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Singapore remains most powerful passport as US and UK decline, UAE and emerging economies rise
Asian countries continue to lead global mobility, with Singapore holding its position as the world's most powerful passport, while the United States and United Kingdom experience long-term declines, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index released Tuesday. Singapore passport holders can travel visa-free or with visa on arrival to 193 destinations worldwide, the highest number of any passport. Japan and South Korea share second place with access to 190 destinations, reinforcing Asia's dominance in international travel freedom. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Henley & Partners (@henleyglobalcitizens) The United Kingdom, which ranked first in 2015, has dropped to sixth place, offering visa-free access to 186 destinations. The United States has fallen to tenth place, with visa-free or visa on arrival access to 182 destinations. The index, compiled by Henley & Partners using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), highlights the declining mobility of traditional Western powers. 'The consolidation we're seeing at the top underscores that access is earned and must be maintained through active and strategic diplomacy,' said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the index. 'Countries that neglect global engagement are losing ground.' Seven European Union countries — Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain — share third place, each providing visa-free access to 189 destinations. Another seven European nations — Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden — share fourth place with 188 destinations. Emerging economies are among the fastest risers. India has jumped eight places in six months to 77 th, adding two new visa-free destinations to reach 59. Saudi Arabia gained four new visa waivers, rising four places to 54th, with access to 91 destinations. The United Arab Emirates continues its rapid ascent, ranking eighth globally — the highest position ever for a Gulf nation. Over the past decade, the UAE climbed 34 places, from 42 nd to 8 th, thanks to strategic diplomacy and reciprocal visa agreements. China has also risen 34 places over the past decade to 60 th place, despite not yet gaining visa-free access to the European Schengen Area. Beijing has expanded visa-free access to 75 countries in 2025, up from fewer than 20 five years ago. This includes visa-free entry for all Gulf Cooperation Council countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – as well as several Latin American nations including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. These moves are part of China's broader strategy to strengthen bilateral ties and boost tourism and trade. These developments also influence the Henley Passport Power Index, which ranks passports based on the percentage of global GDP their holders can access visa-free. While over 80 countries have improved their rankings by at least 10 places over the past decade, only 16 countries have declined. Venezuela experienced the sharpest fall, dropping 15 places to 45 th. The United States fell eight places, and the United Kingdom declined five. 'This is part of a broader reordering,' said Henley CEO Dr. Juerg Steffen, noting rising demand from Americans and British nationals for second citizenship and residency options. 'Your passport is no longer just a travel document – it reflects your country's global relationships,' Steffen said. 'As geopolitical uncertainty grows, citizens of historically dominant nations are reassessing their mobility options.' The Henley Passport Index, first published in 2006, is widely regarded as a leading benchmark for passport strength and international travel freedom, used by governments, investors, and migration experts.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE passport ranks as 8th most powerful globally
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has solidified its position among the world's most powerful passports, climbing to 8 th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index – a remarkable rise from 42 nd a decade ago that reflects the country's expanding diplomatic reach and visa liberalisation efforts. UAE passport holders can now travel to 185 destinations without a prior visa, making it the highest-ranked Middle Eastern nation and the only major riser to break into the global Top 10 in recent years. The Henley Passport Index, which is compiled from exclusive travel data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), shows an increasing shift in global mobility power towards Asia and the Gulf region, with emerging economies making steady gains as traditional Western powers experience declines. Explore the latest Henley Passport Index, the original, authoritative ranking of all the world's passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. — Henley & Partners (@HenleyPartners) July 22, 2025 'The UAE stands out as a model of strategic diplomacy,' said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners. 'Its rise reflects years of consistent efforts to build reciprocal visa agreements.' Top 10 most powerful passports — 2025 Henley Passport Index Singapore – 193 destinations Japan, South Korea – 190 France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, Denmark, Ireland – 189 Sweden, Netherlands, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway – 188 Greece, Switzerland, New Zealand – 187 United Kingdom – 186 Malta – 185 United Arab Emirates – 185 Czechia – 184 United States, Canada, Australia, Hungary – 182 Gulf and Asian nations driving mobility growth Alongside the UAE's gains, Saudi Arabia has added four new visa-free destinations in 2025, increasing its total to 91 and lifting it four places to 54 th. China has also significantly expanded its visa openness, now granting visa-free entry to 75 countries, including all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, various South American nations, and some European states — helping boost mobility for GCC citizens. India has climbed eight spots to 77 th, while China ranks 60 th, both among the fastest risers in recent years. Decline of traditional passport powers By contrast, the United States has slipped to 10 th place, offering visa-free access to 182 destinations, its lowest ranking in two decades. The United Kingdom now ranks 6 th, down from first place in 2015. Other countries experiencing declines include Venezuela, which fell 15 places to 45 th, and Canada, which dropped four spots. 'Passport power increasingly reflects active diplomacy and global engagement. Citizens from traditional powers like the US and UK are seeking alternative citizenship and residence options amid rising geopolitical uncertainty,' said Steffen.
