India’s passport has become more powerful in terms of global travel. According to the Henley Passport Index released on July 22, India jumped 8 positions to reach the 77th rank.
This is the biggest jump made by any country in the 2024 index.
India’s Passport Makes Biggest Gain in 2024, Now Ranked 77th
Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 countries either without a visa or by getting a visa on arrival.
This includes popular Asian destinations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, and Thailand.
Countries such as Sri Lanka, Macau, and Myanmar offer visa-on-arrival depending on the traveler’s purpose and length of stay.
This rise comes after India dropped five places in the rankings last year, showing a recovery in global travel access.
Still, Indian travelers face more restrictions compared to those from the top-ranked countries.
The Henley Passport Index is a trusted ranking that measures how many countries allow a passport holder to enter without getting a visa in advance.
This year, Asian countries are doing well in the rankings, with Singapore at the top. It offers visa-free access to 193 countries.
Japan and South Korea Hold Top Passport Positions with Access to 190 Countries
Japan and South Korea are close behind, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 countries each. This shows the impact of strong and stable international relations.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, the creator of the index, said the rankings show that “global access depends on lasting diplomacy and international partnerships.”
The United Arab Emirates has also seen major growth, moving from 42nd to 8th place in the last ten years.
China has improved too, rising from 94th in 2015 to 60th today, thanks to visa agreements in South America and the Gulf.
In Europe, seven EU countries — Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain — share third place, with access to 189 destinations.
Another group — Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden — ranks fourth, allowing travel to 188 countries.
At the bottom of the list is Afghanistan, whose passport allows entry to only 25 countries without a visa. This is 168 fewer than the top-ranked passport.
Meanwhile, older leaders like the United States and United Kingdom have dropped to 10th and 6th places.
This decline is due to changes in diplomatic ties and the rise of new global partnerships.
More citizens from the U.S. and UK are now seeking second passports or exploring migration to keep their travel freedom.
India’s improved passport ranking may not change travel plans right away, but it shows a promising future.
It suggests that more countries might soon allow easier access for Indian travelers.
