Latest news with #HenleyPassportIndex
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
India's passport climbs several ranks in world's most powerful passports rankings; US, UK no longer powerhouses - top points to know
The strength of Indian passport has increased substantially in recent times. India's passport has climbed several ranks in the latest Henley Passport Index list of the world's most powerful or strongest passports. The strength of Indian passport has increased substantially in recent times, enabling Indians to access more than 60 nations without prior visa arrangements or through visa-on-arrival facilities. Interestingly, an assessment of the Henley Passport Index in a TOI report shows that amongst the passports of approximately 200 countries the conventional leaders such as the US and the UK have declined in rankings, whilst Asian nations have emerged as the new frontrunners in passport privileges. How powerful is India's passport? The Indian passport's position has seen a marginal improvement from the previous year, although its performance over extended periods shows considerable variations. The present standing is actually lower than its position ten years prior. The highest position achieved was number 71 in 2006, the TOI report said. Whilst India currently holds the 77th position in the latest rankings, it lags behind 147 nations regarding the count of destinations where its citizens can access visa-free travel or obtain visa-on-arrival privileges. Strength of India's passport For Indian passport holders, Africa and South-East Asia present the most accessible international destinations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Everyone's Dream Girl In 90's, This Is Her Recently Cash Roadster Undo Besides unrestricted entry to certain neighbouring nations, Indians can visit many African and South-East Asian countries through simplified visa-on-arrival schemes or electronic visa applications. The duration of visa-free stays varies across nations: 7-15 days in 4 countries (including Iran, Philippines) 30-60 days in 12 countries (including Malaysia, Thailand) 90 days in 6 countries (including Maldives, Senegal) 180 days in 2 countries (Dominica, Montserrat) Unlimited stay in 2 countries (Nepal, Bhutan) The accessibility breakdown shows: * 26 countries offer visa-free entry * 38 countries provide visa-on-arrival * 41 countries accept e-visa applications Indians enjoy straightforward visa access to more than 100 nations, including those offering e-visas. Among South Asian nations, Bhutan ranks 84th globally in passport strength, whilst Bangladesh (94th), Nepal (95th) and Pakistan (96th) occupy similar positions. Sri Lanka stands at 91st position. China, India's northern neighbour, holds the 60th position, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 83 destinations. Top 10 most powerful passports : Asian countries lead in global passport rankings Citizens from Singapore, Japan and South Korea currently enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges to more than 190 destinations worldwide. Their sustained international relations, economic partnerships and worldwide connectivity have established their dominance in passport strength. This leadership position has remained stable across recent years. Rank in 2025 | Passport | Access (visa-free) Singapore — 193 Japan, South Korea — 190 Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain — 189 Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden — 188 Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland — 187 UK — 186 Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, Poland — 185 Canada, Estonia, UAE — 184 Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia — 183 Iceland, Lithuania, US — 182 Decline of traditional western influence The United States and United Kingdom, which held premier positions in passport rankings in 2014 with extensive global access, have experienced a notable decline in their standings over the previous ten years. US, UK no longer the powerhouses The United States, whilst positioned at number 10, now trails behind 33 nations regarding the quantity of countries offering straightforward entry to its passport holders. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays , public holidays , current gold rate and silver price .
Khaleej Times
05-08-2025
- Khaleej Times
Visa-free entry: 44 countries Lebanese passport-holders can travel to hassle-free
Want to travel to the chilly mountains of Georgia or roam amongst Rwanda's impeccable wildlife? Lebanese passport-holders can do it all as citizens of the Middle Eastern country can now travel to 44 nations across the globe. According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, the country's passport ranks 89th among the world's passports. The country, however, has jumped between rankings in the past decade. In 2006, the it held the 79th spot. Fast forward to 2015, and it dropped to 102. Since that year, it has dabbled between the 96th position and 89th. The UAE and Lebanon meanwhile have witnessed strengthening of relations over the past year, with UAE's embassy reopening in Beirut in January this year. This move came after a phone call on January 11 between UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Meanwhile in May, UAE and Lebanon agreed to allow citizens to travel after taking the necessary measures to facilitate movement between the two countries and establishing appropriate mechanisms. Visa-free countries Seventeen countries offer visa-free entry to Lebanese citizens. This means that travellers can avoid the hassle of long queues, elaborate forms and gathering of countless documents. Here are the countries these passport-holders can visit without any stress. Barbados Cook Islands Dominica Ecuador Georgia Haiti Jordan Macao (SAR China) Madagascar Malaysia Micronesia Niue Oman Rwanda Suriname Syria Türkiye Visa on arrival Meanwhile, 24 countries offer visa on arrival to citizens of the country. These travellers can get their visa once they reach the country. Armenia Bolivia Burundi Cambodia Cape Verde Islands Comoro Islands Djibouti Ethiopia Guinea-Bissau Iran Iraq Laos Maldives Marshall Islands Mauritius Mozambique Nepal Palau Islands Qatar Samoa Somalia Tajikistan Timor-Leste Tuvalu Electronic travel authorisation An Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is a digital authorisation that allows eligible travelers to enter a country for specific purposes, often for short stays like tourism or business, or for transit. Lebanese passport holders can get an ETA for three countries:
Khaleej Times
05-08-2025
- Khaleej Times
Visa-free entry for Sri Lankans to 42 destinations; here's the full list
Citizens of Sri Lanka, the island nation located in the Indian Ocean southeast of India, now enjoy a wider range of visa-free destinations, particularly within Africa. According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, the Sri Lankan passport has climbed five spots to rank 91st globally, sharing the position with Iran. The ranking measures global travel freedom based on the number of destinations a passport holder can enter without needing a pre-departure visa. This year's findings reveal that Sri Lankans can travel to 42 nations and territories under arrangements that allow visa-free access, visa on arrival (VOA), or electronic travel authorisation (ETA). These arrangements are designed to make international travel more accessible, reducing the time and paperwork required for leisure or business trips. Many of these destinations are in Asia and the Pacific, with others located in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas, giving Sri Lankan travellers a variety of cultural, economic, and tourism experiences. Take a look at the full list here: Bahamas Barbados, Bolivia (VOA), British Virgin Islands, Burundi (VOA), Cambodia (VOA), Cape Verde Islands (VOA), Comoro Islands (VOA), Cook Islands, Djibouti (VOA), Dominica, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau (VOA), Haiti, Kenya (ETA), Kiribati, Laos (VOA), Lesotho, Madagascar, MAlawi, Maldives (VOA), Mauritius (VOA), Micronesia, Montserrat, Mozambique (VOA), Nepal (VOA), Niue, Palau Islands (VOA), Rwanda, Samoa (VOA), Seychelles (ETA), Singapore, Sierra Leone (VOA), Somalia (VOA), St. Kitts and Nevis (ETA), St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tajikistan, Thailand, Gambia, Timor-Leste (VOA), Tuvalu (VOA) and Vanuatu.
Khaleej Times
03-08-2025
- Khaleej Times
Visa-free access for Egyptians to 49 countries; here's the full list
From thrilling safaris in Kenya to the pristine beaches of the Maldives, Egyptian passport holders enjoy a wide range of destinations they can visit visa-free—no embassy queues, no piles of paperwork. The Egyptian passport climbed two places in the Henley Passport Index 2025, reaching 85th position—sharing the rank with Cameroon and Turkmenistan—after holding the 87th spot last year. Most of the destinations offering Egyptians a smooth, visa-free or easy visa process are located in Africa, with numerous neighbouring and regional countries opening their doors without lengthy procedures. Asia comes next, with several popular travel spots in the region also providing simplified entry requirements for Egyptian passport holders. In general, the list comprises 49 countries and territories, including nations that require Egyptians to get a Visa on arrival (VOA) or a prior electronic travel authorisation (ETA). The ETA is a much easier authorisation than the e-visa. It is considered a mere pre-screening for visa-exempt travellers who don't need a visa but still need prior online clearance before boarding. Here's the full list of visa-free countries for Egyptians: Africa (20 destinations): Benin, Burundi (VOA), Cape Verde Islands (VOA), Comoro Islands (VOA), Djibouti (VOA), Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau (VOA), Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives (VOA), Mauritius, Mozambique (VOA), Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles (ETA), Somalia (VOA), Tanzania (VOA), The Gambia, Zimbabwe (VOA) Asia (14 destinations): Cambodia (VOA), Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China), Indonesia (VOA), Iran, Jordan, Laos (VOA), Lebanon (VOA), Macau (Special Administrative Region of China), Malaysia, Nepal (VOA), Sri Lanka (ETA), Tajikistan (VOA), Timor-Leste (VOA), Yemen (VOA) The Americas (7 destinations): Barbados, Bolivia (VOA), Dominica, Haiti, Nicaragua (VOA), Saint Kitts and Nevis (ETA), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Oceania (8 destinations): Cook Islands, Kiribati, Micronesia, The Marshall Islands (VOA), Niue, Palau Islands (VOA), Samoa (VOA), Tuvalu (VOA) E-visa Thirty-eight countries require a prior e-visa for Egyptians to be allowed in, and they are: Albania, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Colombia, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritania, Moldova, Montserrat, Myanmar, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore, South Africa, Suriname, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Türkiye, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. For the Egyptian expatriate community in the UAE—estimated at over 400,000 people—the list of visa-free travel destinations continues to grow, with Armenia and Georgia being the latest additions.
NDTV
01-08-2025
- Business
- NDTV
ICYMI: 10 Recent Travel Updates Indian Travellers Should Know About
Planning your next international getaway or looking forward to festive travel within India? There's been a lot happening in the world of travel recently that you need to know about. They include visa changes, passport-related news, unique tourism initiatives, global rankings and much more. All of these can affect your plans and future trips in different ways. The good news is that most of them can prove to be beneficial. Here's a quick round-up of a few important recent updates Indian travellers should be aware of: 1. Indian Passport's Global Ranking Improved The Indian passport just made its biggest jump in years, moving up to the 77th position in the Henley Passport Index. Indian citizens can now travel to 59 countries either without a visa or by getting one on arrival. While it's still far from the world's most powerful passports, it is nevertheless a win for Indian travellers for several reasons. A stronger passport brings multifold benefits. Explore the lists of visa-free countries to know more. 2. GCC Visa Will Let You Visit 6 Gulf Nations With One Visa Planning a trip to the Middle East? Keep an eye out for a soon-to-be-launched Schengen-style visa for this region. A new GCC Grand Tours Visa will allow travellers to explore six Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait) using just one visa. Expected to launch by the end of 2025 or early 2026, the GCC Visa promises to make regional travel across the Gulf cheaper and easier for tourists. 3. India Reopened Tourist E-Visas For Chinese Citizens After a five-year break, India has officially restarted tourist e-visa services for Chinese nationals. This decision came into effect in July 2025. It is expected to bring more Chinese tourists, business travellers, and cultural visitors to India. The move is seen as a step towards improving bilateral ties and boosting tourism exchanges between the two countries. 4. Germany's Freelance Visa Could Benefit Independent Workers If you're a freelancer, consultant, or artist looking to live and work abroad, Germany's Freelance Visa might be worth exploring. It's designed for professionals who don't need a full-time employer. This visa allows you to live in Germany while working on independent projects. It is valid for up to one year and can be extended. It seems to be a practical route for creative or remote workers from India to try working in Europe. 5. Jaipur Ranked Among The World's Best Cities In a proud moment for India, Jaipur has been named one of the top 5 cities in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine. The city was praised for its vibrant markets, historic palaces, rich cultural heritage, and the warm hospitality of its people. This accolade puts Jaipur on the global map as a city that offers an unforgettable travel experience. 6. Abu Dhabi Named The Safest City In The World Again For the ninth year in a row, Abu Dhabi has been ranked the world's safest city, according to Numbeo's 2025 Safety Index. It scored high for low crime rates and effective public safety systems. For Indian travellers planning trips to the UAE, this is reassuring news. On a national level, Ahmedabad was named the safest city in India. 7. India's First Car Ferry Train To Run Between Mumbai And Goa In a first for India, a car-carrying train is set to start operations between Mumbai and Goa during Ganesh Chaturthi 2025. Travellers will be able to load their cars onto a freight coach and then board the same train, making it easier to drive around once they reach Goa. This option could be especially useful for those heading home or on vacation during the festive season. 8. Special Trains Announced for Ganesh Chaturthi Festival Rush The Indian Railways has announced 262 special trains in order to handle the heavier-than-usual travel demand during Ganesh Chaturthi 2025. These trains will run between major cities and the Konkan region, where the festival is widely celebrated. These extra trains aim to ease overall congestion, reduce waitlists, and help people travel more comfortably during this festive season. 9. India's First Mining Tourism Project To Be Launched In Jharkhand Jharkhand is getting ready to launch India's first mining tourism experience, which will reportedly include tours of actual mining sites. This project could offer something new and educational for tourists. At the same time, it would showcase a lesser-known side of the region's economy and history. Read more about Jharkhand's mining tourism project and its current status. 10. Arunachal Pradesh May Be Declared India's 'Orchid Capital' Nature lovers, take note! Arunachal Pradesh plans to become India's Orchid Capital. With over 600 recorded species, the state boasts many rare and exotic blooms. Tourism authorities are planning to promote orchid-based eco-tourism, develop orchid parks, and boost awareness around conservation.
