In a significant shift, six nations—France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain—have secured the top spot in the Henley Passport Index for 2024, marking the first-ever tie at the leading position. Boasting the world’s most powerful passports, citizens of these nations enjoy visa-free entry to all 194 global destinations, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
India ranks 80th with 62 visa-free destinations
This marks a departure from the past five years, during which Japan and Singapore consistently held the No. 1 position. European nations have now surged to the forefront, with Finland and Sweden tying with South Korea for second place, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. India finds itself at the 80th position in the passport ranking, providing its citizens with visa-free access to 62 countries out of 194.
Notable destinations include popular tourist spots like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. India shares its ranking with Uzbekistan, while neighboring Pakistan holds the 101st position. The United Arab Emirates has shown remarkable progress over the past decade, climbing to the 11th position and allowing visa-free access to 183 destinations. China, now at 62nd place, has witnessed a two-spot rise this year, offering its citizens access to 85 destinations without a visa—almost twice as many as a decade ago.
A closer look at the Henley Passport Index reveals a comprehensive list of destinations where Indian passport holders can travel without obtaining a visa beforehand. This list includes countries spanning Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific, showcasing the diverse range of options available to Indian travelers. From Angola to Zimbabwe, this compilation underlines the global mobility Indians enjoy with their passports. As travel patterns continue to evolve, passport rankings provide valuable insights into international relations and diplomatic agreements that facilitate seamless movement across borders.
