The Indian passport now ranks 85th globally, offering citizens visa-free access to 57 countries, according to the latest Henley Passport Index released on October 17. The new ranking marks a drop from its previous position of 77th earlier this year.
The Indian passport has been ranked 85th in the latest Henley Passport Index, a notable drop from its 77th position earlier in the year. According to the index updated on October 17, 2025, Indian citizens now have visa-free access to 57 countries, down from 59.
This ranking places the Indian passport ahead of several of its neighbours. For comparison, Bangladesh is ranked 100th (30 countries), Sri Lanka is 98th (41 countries), and Pakistan is at the 103rd spot (31 countries). Afghanistan’s passport remains the weakest globally, at 106th place with access to only 24 nations.
The update holds significance for the large Indian expatriate community in the UAE, influencing travel and holiday planning. While the ranking has slipped, the list still includes numerous popular destinations in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. For those planning trips, it’s worth noting that UAE airfares to remain high through the end of the year, which may impact travel costs.
The world’s most powerful passports continue to be dominated by Asian nations. Singapore leads the index, offering its citizens visa-free entry to 193 destinations. It is followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189). European countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland also feature prominently in the top five.
In a significant shift, the US passport has fallen to 12th place, a historic low from its top rank in 2014. The UK passport has also seen a decline, now in 8th position. In contrast, China’s passport has made a remarkable climb over the past decade, moving from 94th in 2015 to 64th in 2025, reflecting its growing global mobility.
For long-term residents in the UAE, options like the UAE Golden Visa provide an alternative form of stability and ease of travel, separate from passport strength.
