The Indian passport has improved its global ranking, climbing 3 spots in the 2025 Henley Passport Index to reach 77th position worldwide.
2025 Passport Strength
| Access Type | Countries |
|---|---|
| Visa-free | 71 |
| Visa-on-arrival | 56 |
| e-Visa/ETA | 64 |
New Visa-Free Destinations
Several countries have opened up visa-free access for Indian passport holders in 2025:
- Palau - 30 days visa-free
- Philippines - 14-30 days (conditions apply)
- Malaysia - Extended until December 2026
Conditional Access
Indians with valid US/UK/Schengen/Japan visas now enjoy additional privileges:
- UAE - Visa-on-arrival
- Philippines - 30 days instead of 14
- Turkey - Simplified e-visa process
What This Means for Travelers
The improved ranking reflects India’s growing diplomatic relationships and the government’s efforts to negotiate better travel access for citizens.
Tips to Maximize Your Passport
- Build travel history to visa-free countries first
- Obtain US/UK/Schengen visa for additional access
- Keep passport valid for 6+ months at all times
- Maintain clean immigration record