Bharatiya Passport Strength 2025: Ranks 77th Globally
From Bureaucracy to Borderless: How Bharat’s Passport Is Gaining Global Ground in 2025
🔹 Bharat Jumps to 77th: Climbs 8 spots in the 2025 Henley Passport Index.
🔹 59 Countries Unlocked: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access expands travel reach.
🔹 Diplomacy Pays Off: Ranking rise reflects Bharat’s growing global influence.
🔹 Travel Made Easy: More freedom for tourists, students, and business flyers.
Paromita Das
New Delhi, 25th July: A few years ago, travelling abroad with an Bharatiya passport often meant wading through stacks of paperwork, long embassy queues, and uncertain visa approvals. But tides are turning—Bharat’s passport is now inching towards greater global recognition. According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, Bharat has jumped from 85th to 77th place, an eight-rank leap that underscores not just growing mobility but also Bharat’s evolving diplomatic landscape.
This isn’t just a number on a list. It’s a statement. A message to the world that Bharat’s passport is no longer synonymous with red tape. Instead, it is fast becoming a symbol of progress, partnership, and possibility.
Unlocking 59 Doors to the World
Bharatiya passport holders can now travel visa-free or get a visa on arrival in 59 countries, spanning every inhabited continent. This includes some of the most vibrant and diverse destinations on the globe—from Kenya’s sweeping savannahs to the serene beaches of Indonesia and the buzzing streets of Bangkok.
While the number has slightly dipped from 62 countries last year, the improved ranking tells a different story. Unlike Bharat, many other nations have seen their access diminish, pushing Bharat higher in relative terms. This makes the Bharatiya passport more advantageous now than ever before.
Here’s a quick look at where Bharatiya can now travel more freely:
- Africa (19 countries) – Including Zimbabwe, Seychelles, and Angola.
- Asia (18 countries) – Featuring Bhutan, Malaysia, and Thailand.
- Oceania (10 countries) – With paradises like Fiji and the Cook Islands.
- North America (10 countries) – Including Jamaica and St. Lucia.
- South America (1 country) – Bolivia remains a rare gem.
The Global Context: Asia Leads the Way
At the very top of the Henley Passport Index, Singapore reigns supreme, offering its citizens access to a staggering 194 countries without a prior visa. Not far behind are Japan and South Korea with access to 190 destinations. These countries, through relentless diplomatic outreach and economic alliances, have made their passports golden tickets.
In comparison, Bharat’s neighbors—Pakistan at 96th and Bangladesh trailing even further—are still catching up. Bharat’s movement is therefore not just linear; it’s regional and strategic.
More Than Travel: Why This Matters
There’s a tendency to view passport rankings as only relevant to globetrotters and Instagrammers. But the power of a passport runs much deeper.
- Economic Mobility: Entrepreneurs and business travelers gain quicker entry to potential markets without visa complications.
- Educational Freedom: Students can now explore more universities and institutions abroad without navigating tricky visa interviews.
- Emergency Travel: For the diaspora, visa-free access means quick travel during family emergencies.
- Tourism Growth: Bharatiya tourists are among the world’s biggest spenders. Improved travel access means countries are likely to court Bharatiya travelers more actively—benefitting both sides.
Diplomacy at Work: How Bharat Earned the Climb
Bharat’s improved ranking is not accidental—it’s a reflection of years of quiet, persistent diplomacy. The Ministry of External Affairs has been working steadily to expand visa waivers, e-visa partnerships, and bilateral travel agreements.
Southeast Asia has emerged as a major area of focus. Countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia now welcome Bharatiya travellers with much greater ease than ever before. Simultaneously, Bharat has played a key role in regional groupings such as SAARC and IORA, cementing its status as a responsible and engaged global player.
These agreements don’t just happen. They require trust, negotiation, and a long-term vision—qualities Bharat is increasingly demonstrating on the world stage.
Bharat Must Now Aim for the Top 50
While this eight-spot jump is indeed commendable, it’s time Bharat sets its sights even higher. A country with the fifth-largest economy, a thriving tech sector, and a growing soft power footprint should aspire to a Top 50 passport status.
To achieve this, Bharat must continue:
- Strengthening bilateral ties with both traditional allies and new partners.
- Investing in consular services to ensure quick, efficient responses abroad.
- Expanding the e-visa network, especially across Latin America and Eastern Europe.
It’s not just about convenience. It’s about credibility, respect, and opportunity.
A Stronger Passport, A Stronger Bharat
Bharat’s rise to 77th position in the Henley Passport Index 2025 is more than a pleasant statistic. It’s a symbol of growing global confidence in Bharat, and a passport to new opportunities for millions of Bharatiya.
With access to 59 countries visa-free, Bharatiya travellers—whether tourists, students, or entrepreneurs—can now chart journeys that were once encumbered by red tape. The passport, once seen as limiting, is now opening doors to the world.
As Bharat’s global footprint expands, and its people continue to innovate, lead, and inspire, it’s only a matter of time before the Bharatiya passport breaks into the top league. The journey is far from over—but the direction is clear and promising.
