As of July 2025, Indian passport holders can access 59 destinations either visa-free or with a visa on arrival. This marks an improvement in the global mobility of Indian citizens, with India climbing to the 77th position in the Henley Passport Index, up from 85th in 2024. The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. This improvement, despite only a marginal increase in the number of visa-free countries, reflects the dynamic nature of international travel agreements and the relative movement of other countries in the rankings.

Visa-Free vs. Visa on Arrival

It's important to distinguish between visa-free access and visa on arrival. Visa-free access means that Indian passport holders can enter a country without applying for a visa in advance. Visa on arrival (VOA) means that a visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport or border crossing. Both options save time and effort compared to applying for a visa before traveling. Some countries also offer an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is an electronic visa obtained online prior to travel.

Destinations Available

The 59 destinations accessible to Indian passport holders include a diverse range of countries across Africa, Asia, North America, and Oceania.

• Africa: Angola, Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
• Asia: Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.
• North America: Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
• Oceania: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The Philippines and Sri Lanka are two recent additions to the list of destinations offering easier access to Indian passport holders.

Regional Overview

Asia continues to lead in global mobility, although India is making strides. Singapore holds the top position in the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow closely behind, offering visa-free travel to 190 countries.

Important Considerations

While visa-free and visa-on-arrival access simplifies travel, it's crucial for travelers to check the specific entry requirements of each country. This includes verifying the permitted duration of stay, required documentation (such as return tickets and proof of sufficient funds), and any health regulations. Checking official government websites before departure is always recommended to ensure compliance with the latest rules.

Global Ranking and Trends

India shares the 77th spot in the Henley Passport Index with Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal. While India has improved its ranking, it still lags behind top-ranked countries. Other countries like Pakistan have also seen improvements in their passport rankings. China has also experienced a notable rise in the rankings over the past decade, although it still lacks access to Europe's Schengen region. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index, with limited visa-free access for its citizens.