India’s passport has seen a notable improvement in global mobility, climbing to 75th position in the Henley Passport Index. This marks a significant rise from its 85th-place ranking last year, according to the index, and offers Indian citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 56 countries.
The Henley Passport Index, established as the original ranking of world passports, assesses travel documents based on the number of destinations holders can access without requiring a prior visa. The index leverages data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the world’s largest travel information database, and is enhanced by research conducted by Henley & Partners. A higher ranking signifies greater global mobility and ease of international travel for a nation’s citizens.
This latest ranking represents a recovery for India, which had experienced a decline in recent years. In , India held the 80th position, subsequently falling to 85th, indicating a period of reduced travel access. While the current improvement demonstrates progress, it falls short of India’s historical peak of 71st place, achieved in .
Globally, Singapore continues to lead the Henley Passport Index, granting its citizens visa-free access to an impressive 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea share the second position, offering access to 187 countries each. Sweden and the United Arab Emirates are jointly ranked third, with access to 186 destinations, followed by France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, which provide visa-free entry to 185 countries. Austria, Greece, Malta, and Portugal round out the top five, allowing access to 184 destinations.
The improvement in India’s ranking comes amidst a broader trend of shifting global mobility. However, the gains are tempered by recent changes in visa regulations affecting Indian travellers. According to VisaHQ, Iran suspended its bilateral visa-free arrangement for Indian passport holders on , citing security concerns related to unregulated labour recruitment channels. This necessitates Indian citizens to apply for standard tourist or business visas before travelling to Iran, adding time and expense to the process.
Similarly, Bolivia replaced its visa-on-arrival policy with a mandatory e-Visa system on . While the process is digital, applicants must now submit supporting documentation and pay fees online, requiring advance planning for trips that were previously spontaneous. This change particularly impacts professionals in sectors like mining, engineering, and development, where Indian companies have a significant presence in Bolivia.
These developments highlight a growing “passport divide,” as described by Henley & Partners, reshaping global mobility in . The index reveals a widening gap between passports offering extensive travel freedom and those with limited access, influenced by geopolitical factors, security concerns, and evolving immigration policies.
The Henley Passport Index’s methodology focuses on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa, encompassing visa-free access, visa-on-arrival, and electronic travel authority (ETA) options. This metric provides a quantifiable measure of global mobility, reflecting the ease with which citizens can travel internationally for business, tourism, or other purposes.
The index’s findings have implications beyond individual travellers. They can influence perceptions of a country’s global standing, attract foreign investment, and facilitate international collaboration. A passport’s ranking can also impact a nation’s tourism industry and its ability to attract skilled workers and students.
While India’s climb in the Henley Passport Index is a positive development, the simultaneous loss of visa-free access to Iran and Bolivia underscores the dynamic nature of global travel regulations. Travellers are advised to stay informed about the latest visa requirements and to utilize resources like VisaHQ for assistance with navigating complex application processes. The changing landscape of international travel necessitates careful planning and adaptability for citizens of all nations.
The index also reflects the continued dominance of European and Asian passports in terms of global mobility. The top ten rankings are largely populated by countries in these regions, demonstrating their strong diplomatic ties and economic influence. This concentration of travel freedom raises questions about equity and access in the global travel system.
Looking ahead, the Henley Passport Index is expected to continue monitoring shifts in global mobility, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of international travel and the factors that shape passport power. The index serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and the need for policies that promote safe, efficient, and equitable travel for all.
