In 2024, the power of the Indian passport presents a curious paradox. According to the Henley Passport Index, India’s ranking fell five places, from 80th in 2023 to 85th. This decline occurred despite the fact that the number of countries Indian passport holders can access without a prior visa increased from 57 to 62.
The central reason for this seemingly contradictory outcome is the relative nature of the index. While India did gain visa-free access to more destinations, other countries improved their passport strength at a much faster rate, allowing them to climb the rankings and push India down. The Henley Passport Index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
More Access, Less Relative Freedom
The article argues that the simple count of visa-free destinations does not fully capture the concept of "travel freedom." Many of the destinations accessible to Indians still require an e-visa or a visa-on-arrival, which can involve processes and potential uncertainty. Furthermore, the desirability and stability of the visa-free countries are significant factors. Geopolitical instability in some regions can make travel impractical or unsafe, regardless of visa requirements.
This highlights a key distinction: while the Indian passport now provides more access than before, its global standing and the true freedom it affords have not kept pace with global trends.
The Role of Openness
Another critical element discussed is a country’s "Openness Score," which measures how many nationalities it allows to enter visa-free. India has a very low Openness Score, offering visa-free access to only four countries. This is in sharp contrast to a growing global trend where countries are liberalizing their visa policies to attract tourism and trade.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is cited as a prime example of a country that has dramatically improved its passport power by actively pursuing visa-waiver agreements. Since 2014, the UAE has added 106 destinations to its visa-free score. This proactive approach differs from India’s, contributing to the growing gap in passport strength and global mobility. The top-ranked passports, including those from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, offer their citizens access to 194 destinations.
Key Points
- India’s passport rank fell from 80th in 2023 to 85th in 2024.
- The number of visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders increased from 57 to 62.
- The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports against 227 travel destinations.
- Top-ranked passports from countries like France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain provide visa-free access to 194 destinations.
- India offers visa-free access to only four countries.
- The United Arab Emirates has added 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014.
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