India’s global passport ranking has dropped to its lowest since 2021, placing 85th on the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free access to just 57 countries, a significant decline from 62 in 2024. This marks a steady fall for the Indian passport, which peaked at 80th last year. India shares its spot with Equatorial Guinea and Niger, highlighting the limited mobility available to its citizens.
In stark contrast, Australia’s passport continues to climb, securing sixth place globally, its highest ranking ever. Australians can visit 189 destinations without a visa, a position shared with Greece. However, Australia’s passport remains the world’s most expensive at AUD 412, reflecting its premium stature.
The Indian passport’s diminishing power contrasts sharply with the Pacific nations’ growing global mobility. For instance, the Solomon Islands ranks 37th, allowing access to 134 destinations, the highest among Pacific nations. Fiji, Samoa, and New Zealand also maintain strong positions, benefiting from regional connectivity and increasing global partnerships.
Meanwhile, Australia’s high ranking bolsters its role as a Pacific hub, offering seamless travel opportunities within the region and beyond. Australians enjoy visa-free access to neighbouring countries such as Fiji, Samoa, and New Zealand, strengthening cultural and economic ties in the Pacific.
The 2025 Henley Passport Index underscores significant global shifts. Singapore retains its top spot, with visa-free access to 195 destinations, reflecting its robust diplomatic relationships. Japan, Finland, and South Korea follow closely, while European nations dominate the top rankings, showcasing the enduring strength of EU passports.
Top 10 most powerful passports in the world for 2025:
- Singapore – 195 destinations
- Japan – 193 destinations
- Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain – 192 destinations
- Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden – 191 destinations
- Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, UK – 190 destinations
- Australia, Greece – 189 destinations
- Canada, Malta, Poland – 188 destinations
- Czechia, Hungary – 187 destinations
- Estonia, USA – 186 destinations
- Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, UAE – 185 destinations
The United States and the United Kingdom have seen their passport rankings decline in recent years, highlighting geopolitical shifts. The US passport now ranks ninth, while the UK sits at fifth, down from its peak in 2015.
China’s steady ascent, now ranking 60th with visa-free access to 85 countries, signals its growing global influence. Similarly, Pacific nations like the Solomon Islands leverage their strategic positioning to secure better mobility for citizens.
Australia’s strong passport ranking enhances its appeal as a gateway to the Pacific, fostering stronger partnerships with neighbouring countries. For India, the declining ranking underscores the need for greater diplomatic efforts to secure visa-free travel agreements, especially as it seeks to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific.
As mobility gaps widen globally, the Henley Passport Index highlights the critical role of diplomacy and international cooperation in shaping global mobility trends. For the Pacific, the rankings reaffirm the region’s growing importance in global travel networks, offering opportunities for tourism and economic growth.
The Henley Passport index, looked at 199 passports with access to 227 International destinations, ranking Solomon Islands at 37th place on the list. Out of the 227 nations, Solomon Islands passport holders can visit 134 of these countries.
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