Henley Passport Index 2024 Rankings Are Out; 6 Nations Tied for 1st Spot, But Where Does India Stand?

Less than two weeks into 2024, an unprecedented six countries—Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain—hold the coveted title of possessing the world’s most powerful passport, according to the Henley Passport Index These countries are granted visa-free entry to a staggering 194 global destinations, according to the latest rankings, compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Traditionally dominated by Japan and Singapore in the number one spot over the past five years, the most recent rankings showcase a noteworthy shift, with European nations taking center stage. Finland and Sweden, tied with South Korea, claim the second spot, allowing passport holders visa-free access to 193 destinations. Following closely are Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands in third place, providing entry to 192 destinations without a visa.

What About India/Bharat

India’s passport secured the 80th spot on the list, allowing citizens to travel to 62 countries without a visa. Noteworthy destinations accessible to Indian passport holders include popular tourist spots like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. India shares its current rank with Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan is positioned at 101st spot.

Christian H Kaelin, the chairman of Henley & Partners, draws attention to the widening global mobility gap among countries. Despite an overall trend toward increased travel freedom in the past two decades, the disparity between the highest and lowest-ranking nations has reached an unprecedented high. “The average number of destinations travelers can access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024,” he said.

The top-ranked countries now enjoy a privilege that starkly contrasts with the lowest-ranking nations. For instance, travelers from the top countries can explore an astonishing 166 more destinations visa-free compared to Afghanistan, which occupies the bottom spot on the list with access to just 28 countries without a visa. Syria, with 29 visa-free destinations, holds the second-lowest position, followed by Iraq with 31 and Pakistan with 34.