India’s Passport Rank Improves to 80th, With Visa-Free Access to 57 Countries
In a positive development for Indian travelers, the Henley Passport Index 2023 reveals a notable improvement in India's passport ranking. Climbing to the 80th position, Indian passport holders now enjoy the privilege of visa-free access to 57 countries around the world.
The latest edition of the Henley Passport Index, a widely recognized annual ranking of global passport strength, has revealed some significant shifts in international travel privileges.
While Singapore has dethroned Japan to claim the title of the world’s most powerful passport, India has made noteworthy progress by ascending five places in the rankings.
India’s Remarkable Rise in Passport Strength
Indian passport holders can now rejoice as their travel opportunities have expanded, thanks to a significant improvement in their passport’s ranking.
The 2023 Henley Passport Index places India at an impressive 80th position, marking a remarkable rise in its global mobility. This advancement comes as India now enjoys visa-free access to 57 destinations across the world.
Visa-Free Countries for Indian Travellers
We bring you a compilation of countries and territories with visa-free or visa-on-arrival privileges. For travellers seeking to explore new horizons and immerse themselves in diverse cultures, these destinations offer hassle-free entry. Take a look at the list below:
S. No.
Country
Visa Type
1
Barbados
Visa Free
2
Bhutan
Visa Free
3
Bolivia
Visa On Arrival
4
British Virgin Islands
Visa Free
5
Burundi
Visa On Arrival
6
Cambodia
Visa On Arrival
7
Cape Verde Islands
Visa On Arrival
8
Comoro Islands
Visa On Arrival
9
Cook Islands
Visa Free
10
Djibouti
Visa On Arrival
11
Dominica
Visa Free
12
El Salvador
Visa Free
13
Fiji
Visa Free
14
Gabon
Visa On Arrival
15
Grenada
Visa Free
16
Guinea-Bissau
Visa On Arrival
17
Haiti
Visa Free
18
Indonesia
Visa On Arrival
19
Iran
Visa On Arrival
20
Jamaica
Visa Free
21
Jordan
Visa On Arrival
22
Kazakhstan
Visa Free
23
Laos
Visa On Arrival
24
Macao (SAR China)
Visa Free
25
Madagascar
Visa On Arrival
26
Maldives
Visa On Arrival
27
Marshall Islands
Visa On Arrival
28
Mauritania
Visa On Arrival
29
Mauritius
Visa Free
30
Micronesia
Visa Free
31
Montserrat
Visa Free
32
Mozambique
Visa On Arrival
33
Myanmar
Visa On Arrival
34
Nepal
Visa Free
35
Niue
Visa Free
36
Oman
Visa Free
37
Palau Islands
Visa On Arrival
38
Qatar
Visa Free
39
Rwanda
Visa On Arrival
40
Samoa
Visa On Arrival
41
Senegal
Visa Free
42
Seychelles
Visa On Arrival
43
Sierra Leone
Visa On Arrival
44
Somalia
Visa On Arrival
45
Sri Lanka
Visa On Arrival
46
St. Kitts and Nevis
Visa Free
47
St. Lucia
Visa On Arrival
48
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Visa Free
49
Tanzania
Visa On Arrival
50
Thailand
Visa On Arrival
51
Timor-Leste
Visa On Arrival
52
Togo
Visa On Arrival
53
Trinidad and Tobago
Visa Free
54
Tunisia
Visa Free
55
Tuvalu
Visa On Arrival
56
Vanuatu
Visa Free
57
Zimbabwe
Visa On Arrival
Please keep in mind that travel regulations may change, so it’s always best to check the latest requirements before planning your journey.
Visa Requirements: A Double-Edged Sword
Despite the positive news, Indian citizens still face some hurdles in international travel due to visa restrictions.
To enter a substantial number of destinations, including prominent countries like China, Japan, Russia, the United States, and the entire European Union, Indian travellers are required to obtain a visa. The high visa requirement has been a contributing factor to India’s lower mobility score.
Impact on Other Countries
The ranking reshuffle also affects other nations in terms of passport power. Japan, which held the top position for five consecutive years, dropped to third place as the number of visa-free destinations for its passport holders decreased.
Meanwhile, the United States, a former chart-topper nearly a decade ago, slid two places to secure the eighth position. The United Kingdom, amidst uncertainties surrounding Brexit, managed to rise two spots to claim fourth place, a position it last held in 2017.
Singapore Claims the Throne
Singapore, known for its economic prosperity and global appeal, has now emerged as the new passport power champion. The city-state’s passport allows visa-free entry to a staggering 192 destinations, providing its citizens with unparalleled travel freedom.
This achievement has contributed to a recent influx of individuals seeking Singaporean citizenship, driven by a crackdown on private enterprise in China and geopolitical tensions elsewhere.
However, obtaining Singaporean citizenship remains a challenging feat, with authorities ruling out granting it based solely on an individual’s net worth.
Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.