Henley Passport Index 2025: Singapore reclaims top spot, India and USA slip in rankings

The Henley Passport Index 2025 ranks Singapore first, while India drops to 85th. The index highlights global mobility and reflects a country’s international standing and diplomatic strength through passport access.

New Delhi: The Henley Passport Index, released annually, reflects the strength of passports across the world. This index measures how many countries a citizen of a country can travel to without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Released in October 2025, the report reflects several significant changes. Let's understand in detail.

Singapore again holds the most powerful passport

Singapore retained its first position this year. Singapore citizens can now travel to 193 countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival. This not only reflects its strong foreign policy but also demonstrates Singapore's global trust.

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South Korea and Japan also top the list

After Singapore, South Korea (190 countries) and Japan (189 countries) are in second and third place. Japan previously held the number one spot for many years but has now fallen to third.

America's Declining Position

The United States, once the world's most powerful passport holder, has now slipped to 12th place. American citizens can now travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to only 180 countries. This signals America's changing international role and shifting diplomatic relations.

India's Ranking Declines

India's ranking has dropped to 85th this year, compared to 80th last year. Indian citizens can now travel visa-free to only 59 countries. This decline raises questions about India's international relations and foreign policy stability.

European Countries Continue to Dominate

Several European countries are among the top 10 in this list. Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and Switzerland are ranked fourth and fifth. Their visa-free countries are between 187 and 188. This is a result of their stable political situation and strong global relationships.

UAE and UK Position

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) performed exceptionally well this year, reaching 8th place. Its citizens can now travel visa-free to 184 countries. Meanwhile, the UK has dropped in ranking, now at 8th place—its lowest ever.

Why are passport rankings important?

Passport rankings are an indicator of how freely a country's citizens can travel around the world. They also reflect a country's global reputation, diplomatic relations, and international trust. A stronger passport means greater freedom and respect.

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The Henley Passport Index 2025 has shown how rapidly countries' positions in the world are changing. While Singapore, South Korea, and Japan maintained their positions, major countries like India and the United States need to reconsider their foreign policies.

The power of a passport is no longer just a means of travel convenience but also a measure of a country's global strength and prestige.