In a concerning dip for global mobility, India's passport has fallen to 85th place in the Henley Passport Index 2025, down from 80th last year. Holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 57 destinations, a drop from 62 in 2024. This annual ranking, compiled by Henley & Partners using International Air Transport Association (IATA) data, evaluates 199 passports across 227 global destinations.

The decline signals evolving diplomatic ties, with losses in access to countries like Colombia and Fiji due to tightened regulations. For Indian travelers—over 30 million outbound annually—this means more visa queues and e-approvals, impacting business and leisure trips.

Adding to the headlines, the United States has exited the top 10 for the first time, tying for 12th with Malaysia at 180 destinations. Once a mobility powerhouse, the US passport's slide reflects post-pandemic policy shifts and geopolitical tensions.

At the pinnacle, Singapore reigns supreme for the ninth consecutive year with access to 193 destinations—a 57-spot edge over India. Close behind are South Korea (190) and Japan (189), underscoring Asia's rising passport prowess.

European heavyweights dominate the mid-tier: Germany, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, and Switzerland share fourth place with 188 destinations each, bolstered by EU synergies.

Henley experts attribute India's drop to "stagnant bilateral agreements" amid global recovery. Conversely, Singapore's streak stems from 99 new deals since 2015. The index highlights a "mobility divide": top passports save travelers $5,000+ yearly in fees and delays.

The Ministry of External Affairs vows to reclaim ground through 50+ negotiations by 2026, targeting ASEAN and Latin America. Experts recommend e-visa diversification and diaspora advocacy. For now, apps like Passport Index offer real-time checks.

"Passport power is economic power," says Henley CEO Juerg Steffen.