Why's Indian Passport Rank Dropping & What Does This Mean?

Ever notice how travel news sometimes hits like a weird plot twist? One minute, you’re dreaming of backpacking through Europe, the next you’re scrolling headlines about the Indian passport rank dipping again, and suddenly that dream feels a tad heavier with visa forms and embassy appointments. It’s ironic, really. More global influence, yet fewer open borders. The world’s shrinking, but somehow, traveling feels bigger and trickier than ever.

So, before you secure your cheap flight tickets, it’s worth taking a peek into why India is falling lower on the rankings.

A Dip in the Global Travel Pond
So, What’s Causing the Slide?
The Irony: More Access, Less Freedom
Summing Up
FAQs: Indian Passport Rank

A Dip in the Global Travel Pond

According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the current Indian passport rank has dropped to 85^th, as of October 2025. That’s down quite a few places from the 77^th rank of July 2025. For context, this is the Indian passport rank in 2025, and with that position, you now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 57 countries. It’s a little jarring: the Indian passport rank in the world is sliding even as India’s global voice is growing in other arenas.

Discover: List of 59 Nations for Visa Free Travel for Indians 2025: Latest Henley Passport Index Update.

So, What’s Causing the Slide?

Hawa Mahal
Image credit: Unsplash/Aditya Siva

It’s not because suddenly every country hates travellers from India. Rather, shifting global mobility policies and tightening visa norms are playing a role. Some nations are rethinking entry rules, and even as diplomacy deepens, travel freedom hasn’t kept pace. Global movement is no longer just about tourism; it’s a reflection of economic ties and migration anxieties.

Also worth noting: India’s highest-ever ranking was 71st, back in 2006. So, in a way, this is more of a return to tougher terrain, rather than a brand-new fall.

The Irony: More Access, Less Freedom

India passport
Image credit: Unsplash/Sourav Debnath

Here’s the weird twist. Even though visa-free access matters, it doesn’t always mean meaningful freedom. Many of the 57 countries accessible are smaller destinations, some in Asia, the Caribbean, or the Pacific. Meanwhile, key global hubs, think big travel bucket-list destinations. still demand visas, advance planning, paperwork, and money. It feels odd: you can go, but only to certain places easily; for others, it’s a bureaucratic maze. That’s the heart of this curious case.

Explore: 10 Quirky & Surprising Passport Facts You’ve Never Heard About Before.

Also, just because the Henley Passport Index gives a snapshot every year, it doesn’t guarantee that all visa-free access remains stable, as countries can change their rules, tighten entry, or revoke privileges. So having access is one thing; sustaining that freedom is another. Apply for online visa services for 180+ countries to get a better idea of what’s India missing to rise up those ranks. Don’t forget to reserve the best hotel bookings online and all-inclusive holiday tour packages to make your trip enjoyable.

Summing Up

The Indian passport rank has slumped to 85th, according to the Henley Passport Index 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 59 countries. Though more access may seem like progress, it doesn’t translate into genuine travel freedom, especially to major global hubs. This decline underscores a deeper tension: mobility is growing unevenly, and passport strength is as much about politics and policy as it is about wanderlust.

FAQs: Indian Passport Rank

Which rank is Indian passport?
As of October 2025, the Indian Passport has dropped to the 85^th rank, offering visa-free access to 57 countries. This is as per the Henley Passport Index.

What are the top 10 strongest passports?
The top 10 strongest passports in the world include Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Sweden, Greece, Norway, France, Austria, and Ireland.

Which passport is rank 1?
Singapore ranks at number 1 in the Henley Passport Index, providing visa-free access to 193 countries.

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Why’s the Indian Passport Rank Dropping & What Does This Mean for You?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Dip in the Global Travel Pond

Discover: List of 59 Nations for Visa Free Travel for Indians 2025: Latest Henley Passport Index Update.

So, What’s Causing the Slide?

The Irony: More Access, Less Freedom

Explore: 10 Quirky & Surprising Passport Facts You’ve Never Heard About Before.

Summing Up

FAQs: Indian Passport Rank

Also Read

Akbar Travels Services

Best Flight Deals

Domestic Flights

International Flights

Best Hotel Deals

Apply Visa Online

International Tour Packages

Domestic Tour Packages

Packages by Themes

2 Comments

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