Now You Can Travel to 59 Countries Without a Visa!

Global Access Expanded: From Asia to the Caribbean, Indian passport holders can enjoy smoother travel with visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa options in 59 nations.

BY PC Bureau

New Delhi, July 23, 2025 — Indian passport holders can now enjoy visa-free access to 59 countries around the world, according to the latest Henley Passport Index 2025. This development marks a notable rise in the Indian passport’s power, offering greater ease of international travel for tourism, business, and short stays.

India now ranks 80th on the index, up several positions from previous years, reflecting growing diplomatic and bilateral ties with countries across continents.

According to Henley & Partners, Japan, Singapore, France, and Germany share the top spot in 2025, with access to over 194 destinations without a visa. While India still trails behind major Western and East Asian nations, its recent climb reflects steady improvements in foreign relations and international cooperation.

Meanwhile, the UK and the US have slipped slightly to 6th and 10th places, offering visa-free travel to 186 and 182 destinations, respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index, with its citizens having access to just 25 countries without a visa.

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Visa-free travel means Indian passport holders can enter a country without applying for a visa in advance. Most visa-free stays are time-bound, typically ranging from 15 to 90 days, and rules vary by destination.

Significantly, Saudi Arabia made the largest gain this year, adding four destinations and bringing its visa-free tally to 91 countries. China, which was ranked 94th in 2015, has climbed dramatically to 60th, despite not having access to the European Schengen area.

India’s passport gets stronger: 8-spot jump in Henley Index, visa-free access to 59 countries. pic.twitter.com/Wlhpno16dn

— Marketing Maverick (@MarketingMvrick) July 23, 2025

Popular tourist destinations like Thailand, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Seychelles are among the visa-easy options now available to Indian passport holders. This means less paperwork, shorter planning time, and more spontaneous travel.

With increasing diplomatic ties and changing global visa policies, Indian travellers can now explore parts of Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and South America with greater freedom.

Significantly, Saudi Arabia made the largest gain this year, adding four destinations and bringing its visa-free tally to 91 countries. China, which was ranked 94th in 2015, has climbed dramatically to 60th, despite not having access to the European Schengen area.

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“Your passport is no longer just a travel document—it reflects your country’s diplomatic reach and global standing,” said Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners. “As geopolitical uncertainty grows, strategic citizenship and mobility planning are more critical than ever.”

So whether you’re dreaming of white-sand beaches, ancient temples, or vibrant safaris — your next visa-free adventure could be just a flight away.

What This Means

With this boost, Indian travelers no longer need to go through the hassle of obtaining visas in advance for these destinations. The list includes countries offering:

• Visa-free access
• Visa on arrival
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Indians in 2025

Asia

1. Bhutan
2. Nepal
3. Maldives (visa on arrival)
4. Thailand (visa on arrival)
5. Indonesia (visa on arrival)
6. Sri Lanka (eTA)
7. Laos (visa on arrival)
8. Cambodia (visa on arrival)
9. Timor-Leste (visa on arrival)
10. Myanmar (e-visa)

Africa

1. Seychelles (visa on arrival)
2. Mauritius
3. Madagascar (visa on arrival)
4. Kenya (eTA)
5. Tanzania (visa on arrival)
6. Rwanda (visa on arrival)
7. Senegal
8. Togo (visa on arrival)
9. Cape Verde (visa on arrival)
10. Comoros (visa on arrival)

Europe

1. Serbia
2. Albania
3. Montenegro
4. Kosovo
5. North Macedonia

Caribbean

1. Barbados
2. Dominica
3. Grenada
4. Haiti
5. Jamaica
6. St. Kitts and Nevis
7. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
8. Trinidad and Tobago

Oceania

1. Fiji
2. Micronesia
3. Samoa (visa on arrival)
4. Vanuatu
5. Tuvalu (visa on arrival)
6. Palau (visa on arrival)
7. Niue
8. Cook Islands

Middle East

1. Qatar (eTA)
2. Iran (visa on arrival)
3. Oman (e-visa)
4. Jordan (visa on arrival)
5. Armenia (visa on arrival)
6. Bahrain (visa on arrival)

South America

1. Bolivia (visa on arrival)
2. Ecuador
3. Guyana
4. Suriname
5. Venezuela

Others / Special

1. El Salvador
2. Nicaragua (visa on arrival)
3. Mozambique (visa on arrival)
4. Guinea-Bissau (visa on arrival)
5. Mauritania (visa on arrival)
6. Uganda (visa on arrival)
7. Zimbabwe (visa on arrival)

Note: Visa conditions (such as length of stay and purpose) may vary by country. Travelers are advised to verify the latest guidelines from the official embassy or government sources before travel.