Visa-free travel expansion for Indian citizens: 59 countries now accessible without prior visa approval according to Henley Passport Index 2025 report.
The Indian passport has climbed eight places to rank 77th on the Henley Passport Index 2025, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations globally.
According to the Index, Indian passport holders can enter 59 countries without a prior visa, either visa-free or by obtaining a visa on arrival or electronic travel authority. Among these, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Maldives, and Thailand offer visa-free entry, while Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Macau provide visa-on-arrival options.
The Philippines and Sri Lanka are noted as recent additions to the list, granting easier access for Indian travellers. Other visa-free countries for Indian passport holders include Angola, British Virgin Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Iran, Kiribati, Macao, Madagascar, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Nepal, Niue, Rwanda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu.
Seven European countries - Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain - are tied for third place, each offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 destinations. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden share the fourth position.
Singapore tops the Henley Passport Index 2025 with access to 193 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea. New Zealand, Greece, and Switzerland are in fifth place, providing extensive global travel freedom.
Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, stated that passports are no longer just travel documents but also reflect a country's diplomatic influence and international relationships. He also noted that Americans are currently leading global demand for alternative residence and citizenship options, with British nationals also ranking among the top five worldwide.
Seychelles offers an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Indian passport holders, allowing short-term visa-free visits or transit. Saudi Arabia has made the largest gain in 2025, adding four destinations since January and reaching access to 91 countries.
Afghanistan is at the bottom of the index with visa-free access to only 25 destinations. The UK and the US have slipped slightly in the rankings, with the UK in sixth place and the US in tenth place. The UK passport now grants access to 186 destinations, and the US passport grants access to 182 destinations.
Travelers are advised to verify visa requirements on official government websites before planning their trips, as rules can differ from country to country. It is essential to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
Indian passport holders can explore a variety of destinations, such as the Philippines and Sri Lanka, which offer visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival access. Additionally, countries like Thailand provide an opportunity for Indian travelers to immerse themselves in diverse lifestyles and cultures through visa-free travel.
