Singapore (Commonwealth Union)_ The 2025 Henley Passport Index has once again highlighted the significant global mobility disparities between nations, with Singapore emerging as the world’s top-ranking country for passport strength. Meanwhile, the Indian passport holders find themselves placed at a modest 80th spot, alongside Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Tajikistan, reflecting a relatively limited access to global destinations. The Henley Passport Index, compiled by Henley & Partners, a global consultancy specializing in government advisory services, ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without requiring a prior visa.
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With data sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the rankings cover 199 passports and are updated annually. Singapore’s passport is now the strongest leader, with holders granted visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to an impressive 193 out of 227 destinations globally. This achievement solidifies Singapore’s position as the strongest passport in the world. Following closely are Japan and South Korea, which share second place, with access to 190 countries. Meanwhile, seven European nations—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain—secure third place, offering entry to 189 destinations.
Key changes to the Henley Index in 2025
The 2025 edition of the Henley Passport Index also highlights several notable changes, with shifting rankings reflecting global political and economic shifts. Japan’s rise is particularly significant, as it regained access to China’s borders after the pandemic-era restrictions. This marks Japan’s return to its previous level of mobility, helping it secure second place. Despite small changes, Finland and South Korea both saw a slight drop in their positions, now sitting at fourth with access to 192 destinations. Conversely, Afghanistan and Syria remain at the bottom of the index, with Afghanistan ranking 99th with access to just 25 destinations, reflecting the continued instability in the region.
Iraq and Syria occupy the 97th and 98th positions, respectively, highlighting the impact of regional conflicts on international mobility. In a major shift, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen substantial improvements in its passport ranking. Since 2015, the UAE has added 72 destinations to its list of visa-free countries, propelling it to the 10th spot in the 2025 index, with access to 185 destinations. This marks the UAE as the highest-ranked Arab nation, showcasing its significant diplomatic and global mobility advancements.
The decline of Venezuela and the United States
The index also reveals a striking decline for both Venezuela and the United States. Venezuela, which once held a much stronger passport, has plummeted 42 positions over the last decade, landing at 44th place in 2025, compared to 2nd in 2015. Similarly, the United States, a longtime contender for the second position, has fallen to 9th place, with visa-free access to 183 destinations. This marks a significant shift, as the US once enjoyed a nearly unparalleled level of global mobility.
What is India’s position in the global mobility race?
India’s passport remains positioned at the 80th spot, sharing this rank with Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Tajikistan. The Indian passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 58 countries, a notable contrast to Singapore’s 193 destinations. India’s placement in the index is a reflection of the challenges it faces in expanding its global mobility access, although it still holds a position higher than several other nations. India’s neighbors, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, occupy positions ranging from 88th to 93rd, with limited access to global destinations. Myanmar ranks 88th, with access to 45 countries, while Sri Lanka shares the 91st spot with Iran and Sudan, providing access to 42 destinations. Bangladesh, ranked 93rd, shares its position with Libya and the Palestinian Territories.
The mobility gap and the future
The Henley Passport Index highlights the widening gap between countries at the top and bottom of the list. Afghanistan, in particular, faces the largest mobility gap in the index’s 19-year history, as it has lost access to two additional destinations this year, further deepening its isolation. The index also sheds light on the significant challenges faced by several African nations, particularly with regard to Schengen visa rejections. Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, and Ghana are among the countries experiencing the highest rejection rates for Schengen visas, with rejection rates ranging from 47.5% to over 61%.
As countries continue to navigate global political, economic, and diplomatic landscapes, the Henley Passport Index remains an important tool for understanding the trends of international mobility and the broader implications for global travel, trade, and relations. Furthermore, while Singapore’s passport continues to set the standard for global mobility, several countries face ongoing challenges in enhancing their citizens’ access to the world. With geopolitical shifts, such as the decline of Venezuela’s passport and the resurgence of the UAE, the 2025 Henley Passport Index serves as a barometer for broader trends in international relations and mobility.
