Why in news?
The 2025 edition of the Henley Passport Index has been released, ranking passports according to the number of destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa. The index highlights growing disparities in travel freedom and serves as a benchmark for diplomatic engagement.
Background
The Henley Passport Index is compiled by London‑based Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It evaluates 199 passports against 227 destinations, counting visa‑free and visa‑on‑arrival access. A country earns one point for each destination accessible without an advance visa; higher scores mean greater travel freedom.
2025 ranking highlights
- Singapore tops the list: Holders of a Singaporean passport can travel visa‑free or obtain a visa on arrival in 193 destinations, making it the most powerful passport in 2025.
- South Korea and Japan follow: South Korea ranks second with access to 190 destinations, while Japan is third with 189 destinations.
- Western nations: Several European countries, including Germany, Italy and Spain, tie near the top with scores around 188. The United Kingdom is ranked 8th (184 destinations), and the United States sits at 12th (180 destinations).
- India’s position: India is placed 85th, allowing visa‑free access to 59 countries. India’s ranking has slipped compared with 2024 (80th) but remains above its 2021 low of 90th. India’s highest ever rank was 71st in 2006.
Significance
- Mobility gap: The wide gap between top and lower‑ranked passports underscores inequality in global mobility. Citizens of high‑ranking nations enjoy easier access to travel, education and business opportunities.
- Diplomatic leverage: A country’s passport strength often reflects its diplomatic relations. Securing reciprocal visa agreements can improve rankings and facilitate tourism and trade.
- India’s outlook: India’s middling rank suggests scope for expanding visa waiver agreements and improving consular services. Growing economic clout could translate into greater travel freedom if negotiated effectively.
Conclusion
The Henley Passport Index provides more than a travel scorecard; it illustrates how politics and economics shape personal mobility. While India has made modest progress over the decades, sustained diplomatic efforts are needed to enhance travel freedom for its citizens.
Source: The Indian Express · Henley Passport Index