India has made its biggest-ever leap in the global Henley Passport Index, climbing eight spots to rank 77th in 2025. With this move, Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations. This is a record high. The Henley Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa. In terms of travel freedom, India still lags behind top-ranking nations like Singapore (1st, 193 destinations), Japan, and South Korea, but the gap is slowly narrowing. India's upward movement places it ahead of several neighbouring countries and marks a significant step toward greater global travel access.
Why A Stronger Passport Matters - And How Indian Travellers Can Benefit
A stronger passport can benefit frequent flyers, business travellers, students, and leisure tourists. Here are some of the advantages:
- Less paperwork: A stronger passport can mean fewer embassy visits and reduced money spent on agent fees
- Faster travel planning: It is easier to book last-minute trips to specific destinations if you have a stronger passport. This is because you won't have to worry about long, drawn-out visa application processes.
- Cost savings: If your passport allows you to travel visa-free or apply for e-Visas, this can translate to no visa fees or courier charges in many cases.
- More opportunities on a global scale: A strong passport can broaden your horizons, literally. Spontaneous vacations, international layovers, and longer stopovers become possible.
In general, a stronger passport can help with smoother border entry and better chances for future visa approvals elsewhere.
Also Read: How To Apply For Passport In India: Steps, Documents And Everything Else To Know
Countries Indian Passport Holders Can Visit Visa-Free
Indian passport holders can currently travel visa-free to these destinations (subject to change based on bilateral policies):
Africa
- Angola
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Rwanda
- Senegal
Asia
- Bhutan
- Iran
- Kazakhstan
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Thailand*
Oceania (Pacific Islands)
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Micronesia
- Niue
- Vanuatu
Caribbean
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- British Virgin Islands
Note that the "visa-free" label may come with stipulations. Each country may have different rules. For example, Indian passport holders wanting to travel to Thailand need to apply for a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) three days in advance of their planned date of arrival in the country.
Countries Indian Passport Holders Can Visit With Visa On Arrival
In addition to visa-free countries, these nations offer visa-on-arrival (VOA) facilities for Indian travellers:
Africa
- Burundi
- Cape Verde Islands
- Comoro Islands
- Djibouti
- Ethiopia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Tanzania
- Zimbabwe
- Seychelles*
Asia
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Jordan
- Laos
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Qatar
- Sri Lanka
Oceania (Pacific Islands)
- Marshall Islands
- Palau Islands
- Samoa
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
South America
- Bolivia
Caribbean
- St. Lucia
VOA typically requires valid return tickets, proof of stay, and sufficient funds. Duration and cost may vary by country. There may be additional or unique requirements in some cases. For instance, Indian passport holders receive a visitor's permit upon arrival in Seychelles, rather than a regular visa. Accordingly, they need to apply for this Travel Authorisation (TA) before their trip.
Also Read: 7 Strange Passport Rules That Could Ruin Your Next Holiday
Key Tips to Keep in Mind
1. Always check entry rules on official embassy or consulate websites before making your travel plans. Regulations may change at any time. Remember, visa-free doesn't mean document-free.
2. Never forget to carry printed travel proof related to accommodation bookings, return tickets, financial means, etc
3. Note that some countries offer fast-track eVisas that still need pre-approval online.
4. If possible, maintain a strong travel history. Doing so can help with future visa approvals for highly sought-after destinations in Europe or North America.
India's rise in the Henley Passport Index reflects a meaningful shift in how Indian travellers will be received around the world. With access to 59 destinations visa-free or on arrival, international travel is now more accessible than ever for Indian passport holders. Whether you're planning your next beach holiday, business trip, or solo adventure, the good news is that your passport now opens more doors than ever before.
If you need to renew your passport soon, check out our detailed guide on this topic.
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