India’s Passport Ranking Slips to 85th Position on Henley Passport Index

India’s standing on the prestigious Henley Passport Index has shifted, with New Delhi now occupying the 85th position, down by one spot from the previous year’s ranking. The Henley Passport Index, a renowned ranking system assessing 199 passports based on their global access, reveals insights into the travel freedom each passport offers.

India’s Passport Ranking

India currently holds visa-free access to 62 nations, a figure that determines its position on the index. While India’s global presence remains significant, the recent drop in ranking reflects evolving global dynamics affecting travel accessibility for its passport holders.

Top Performers

At the zenith of the index stands France, whose passport holders enjoy unparalleled access to 194 nations without the need for a visa. Joining France in the top tier are nations like Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, each offering similar extensive travel privileges to their citizens.

• France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain share the top spot, offering visa-free access to a record-breaking 194 destinations.
• Finland, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden closely follow with visa-free access to 193 countries.

Regional Insights

In South Asia, Pakistan maintains its position at 106th, while Bangladesh experiences a marginal decline from 101st to 102nd place. However, the Maldives, with its picturesque locales, secures a respectable 58th position on the index.

• Pakistan retains its 106th position, while Bangladesh slips one place to 102nd.
• Maldives enjoys a significant improvement, climbing to 58th place.

Bottom Ranks

Conversely, nations like Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan find themselves at the bottom of the index, grappling with limited global mobility for their citizens due to geopolitical challenges.

Insights from Henley & Partners

The Henley Passport Index draws upon exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ensuring a comprehensive assessment of global travel accessibility.

Henley & Partners research team enhances this data, providing valuable insights into the correlation between visa-free access and economic progress across various regional and economic groups worldwide.

Expanding Horizons

In its recent report, Henley & Partners explores the relationship between visa-free access and economic advancement within prominent regional blocs such as ASEAN, AU, EU, G7, G20, GCC, MERCOSUR, and the expanded BRICS.

Notably, the inclusion of new members in the BRICS bloc, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, underscores the evolving landscape of global mobility and economic cooperation.

Conclusion

By delving into the nuances of passport power, the Henley Passport Index continues to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike, navigating the complexities of international travel and diplomacy.