In a positive turn for travel enthusiasts, Indian passport holders can now enjoy visa-free access to an extended list of 62 countries. This expansion opens up exciting opportunities for globetrotters to explore diverse cultures, scenic landscapes, and historical wonders without the hassle of visa applications.
The comprehensive list includes popular tourist destinations across Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. These countries, recognizing the potential of attracting Indian tourists, have eased access for them to explore iconic landmarks, pristine beaches, and cultural hotspots.
Indian passport holders can now travel to 62 countries without needing a visa, maintaining an 80th rank globally on the Henley Passport Index. While India's overall ranking remains consistent from the previous year, the significant increase in the number of visa-free destinations marks a notable rise from the previous count of 57.
The Henley Passport Index, considered the foremost interactive tool for passport rankings, derives its data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Serving as a barometer for global mobility, it reflects the diplomatic reach and accessibility of passports across nations.
Six nations hold the most powerful passports on this year's list: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain. Citizens of these nations can travel to 194 countries without a visa. On the flip side, Afghanistan holds the lowest position, granting visa-free entry to just 28 countries, followed closely by Syria and Iraq with 29 and 31 visa-free destinations, respectively. The Pakistan passport also did not perform well this year, providing access to just 34 countries.
The extensive list of countries that Indian passport holders can visit without a visa includes Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, Bolivia, British Virgin Islands, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Dominica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Macao (SAR China), Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niue, Oman, Palau Islands, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Zimbabwe.