TTU: India’s passport has improved its position in the Henley Passport Index 2025. It now ranks 77th, moving up eight places from the previous year. Indian citizens can now visit 59 countries without needing a visa in advance or by obtaining one on arrival.
This jump is India’s highest in the global ranking so far. The Henley Passport Index rates passports based on the number of countries a holder can access without a prior visa. Though India still trails behind countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea, this is a step forward. The Indian passport visa-free countries list is growing and helping travellers plan better trips.
Indian Passport Visa-Free Countries: What Has Changed
The number of Indian passport visa-free countries now stands at 59. This includes nations that either allow visa-free entry or grant visas on arrival. These changes make global travel more convenient for Indian citizens. Indian travellers can now explore new destinations with fewer delays and less paperwork.
In comparison, countries like Singapore offer access to 193 destinations. But India’s progress is steady. The 2025 update places India ahead of several neighbours in South Asia.
Benefits of a Stronger Indian Passport
A stronger passport offers several practical advantages:
- Less paperwork: Travellers don’t need to visit embassies as often. This saves time and reduces agent fees.
- Quick travel plans: It becomes easier to book urgent or last-minute trips without worrying about long visa applications.
- Lower costs: Visa-free travel reduces the need to pay application or courier charges.
- More travel options: Travellers can enjoy longer stopovers or take international layovers without needing visas.
- Better approval rates: A history of visa-free travel can lead to easier visa approvals for other countries in the future.
Countries Indian Passport Holders Can Visit Without a Visa
Here are some of the visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries for Indian passport holders. These are grouped by region. Note: Entry requirements may change. Always check with official sources before booking travel.
Africa
- Angola
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Rwanda
- Senegal
Asia
- Bhutan
- Iran
- Kazakhstan
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Thailand*
*Thailand requires Indian travellers to apply for a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) three days before travel.
Oceania (Pacific Islands)
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Kiribati
- Micronesia
- Niue
- Vanuatu
Caribbean
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- British Virgin Islands
Each country has different entry rules, even if they allow visa-free travel. For example, some may have stay limits or require return tickets.
Final Thoughts
The increase in Indian passport visa-free countries shows positive growth. Indian travellers now have more freedom to explore new places. This change will also benefit students, professionals, and tourists planning international trips. Always verify current travel policies before planning your journey.
