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Henley Passport Index 2025 List shows an increase in India's passport rankings due to its visa-free access to 59 countries.

HENLEY PASSPORT INDEX (HPI)

What is the Henley Passport Index (HPI)?

It was launched in 2005 as Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index and was updated to Henley Passport Index in 2018.

The index annually ranks passports of the world by the number of countries that their holders can travel to without requiring a visa.

The number of countries that a specific passport can access becomes its visa-free "score".

The data is obtained from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)'s Timatic documentation requirements database.

Henley Passport Index (HPI) 2025 Index

The global average of visa-free destinations increases from 58 in 2006 to an expected 109 in 2025.

Singapore leads the Index, having the world’s most powerful passport with visa-free access to 193 of 227 countries.

Afghanistan holds the title for the weakest passports in the world, with only being able to travel to 25 destinations without visa.

A strong passport means:

Strong Diplomacy => It shows good relationships and trust with many countries. More visa-free access often means more friendly agreements.
Economic Opportunities => Easy travel encourages business, trade, and tourism. It can bring in foreign investment and help boost the economy.
Soft Power => This is a country's ability to influence others through attraction rather than force. A strong passport boosts a nation's image and cultural reach globally.

How has India performed in the Henley Passport Index 2025?

Indian passport have climbed eight places, moving from 85th rank in 2024 to 77th rank in 2025.

Currently, Indian passport holders can travel visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival to 59 destinations worldwide.

Year	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Change from Previous Year
2023	80th	57	+7
2024	85th	57	-5
2025	77th	59	+8

What factors influence a country's passport strength?

Diplomatic Relations => Strong friendships and alliances lead to easier travel agreements.

Economic Stability => Countries with strong, stable economies are seen as less of a "risk" for illegal immigration, encouraging more open visa policies from other nations.

Political Stability and Governance => A stable political environment and good governance build international confidence.

Security Measures => Robust national security protocols, including passport security and border control, reassure other countries about the legitimacy of travelers.

Reciprocal Agreements => Visa-free travel is a two-way street. If India offers visa-free entry to citizens of another country, that country might reciprocate.

Must Read Articles:

India's soft power

Source: INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Examine the advantages and limitations of relying on soft power in a multipolar world. 150 words

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It is a global ranking of passports, published by Henley & Partners, based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.

A score of 1 is given for visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or ETA access; 0 for requiring a visa or pre-approved e-Visa.

India ranks 77th in the Henley Passport Index 2025. Indian passport holders can access 59 destinations visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival in 2025.