Singapore tops Henley Passport Index, India slips while global travel freedom reshapes international power balance

International News: Singapore has once again claimed the top spot in the Henley Passport Index, giving its citizens visa-free access to 193 destinations. South Korea and Japan followed closely, continuing Asia’s growing dominance in global mobility. European powers like Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland also secured strong positions, showing that diplomacy and stability still play a major role in travel freedom.

India drops in new index

India’s passport slipped to the 85th position in 2025, a drop of five spots from last year. Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free to 57 destinations, down from 59. Over the years, India’s ranking has fluctuated sharply, from as high as 71 in 2006 to a low of 90 in 2021. This year’s fall marks another setback.

Limited travel options for Indians

Currently, Indian citizens enjoy visa-free entry to only 12 destinations, including Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius, and Indonesia. In addition, they can get a visa on arrival in 27 countries such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, Jordan, and Qatar. While this does give some options, experts note that compared to top-ranked nations, India’s mobility still remains very limited on the global stage.

South Asian neighbors compared

Among neighboring countries, Pakistan ranked 103rd with visa-free access to 31 destinations. Bangladesh stood at 100th, allowing entry to 38 countries, while Nepal ranked 101st with 36. Bhutan fared slightly better at 92nd, offering 50 destinations. This makes Bhutan’s passport the strongest in South Asia, while India remains ahead of Pakistan and Bangladesh but behind several others.

Decline of American passport power

The United States, once number one in 2014, has now slipped to its lowest-ever rank. Americans can travel to 180 destinations visa-free, but the US itself allows visa-free entry from only 46 countries. This imbalance has triggered reciprocal actions, with nations like Brazil reintroducing visas for US travelers, and Vietnam and China excluding America from new visa-free programs.

Reciprocal restrictions hurt Americans

Several smaller nations have also revised their entry rules, limiting access to US citizens. Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, and Somalia are among the countries tightening visa requirements for Americans. Analysts say the decline reflects Washington’s unwillingness to offer equal visa privileges. As a result, America has lost ground in a competition once dominated by Western passports.

Weakest passports in the world

At the bottom of the index, Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, offering access to only 24 destinations. Despite geopolitical shifts and new alliances, some nations continue to struggle with travel freedom. Experts say the Henley Index reflects not just mobility but also global perceptions of political stability and international cooperation, factors that directly impact passport strength.