Indian Passport Slides to 85th on Henley Index, Cutting Visa-Free Access

The 2025 Henley Passport Index update, published 25 October, shows India falling five places to 85th, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access dropping from 60 to 57 destinations. The Times of India notes that the slip reverses incremental gains made since 2022 and widens the gap with Asian peers Singapore (1st) and Japan/South Korea (tied 2nd).

Drivers: Diplomatic sources cite stalled negotiations on reciprocal short-stay waivers with the EU and Gulf Cooperation Council, and tightening entry rules by Pacific and Caribbean micro-states to curb overstays. Meanwhile several African nations introduced e-Visa fees that Henley counts as visa-required.

Impact on business travel: Fewer visa-waiver options increase lead-time for Indian executives arranging last-minute trips, potentially raising compliance costs for multinational mobility teams. Companies may rely more heavily on second passports or long-term multi-entry visas (e.g., Schengen MEV, U.S. B1/B2) for frequent travellers.

Opportunities: Despite the downgrade, emerging markets such as Iran, Kazakhstan and Rwanda remain accessible without prior visas, offering new trade lanes under India’s ‘Global South’ outreach. Travel managers can reroute trips through these hubs to avoid complex transits.

Advice: 1) Update visa matrices and budgeting for additional consular fees. 2) Encourage employees to enrol in India’s FTI-TTP for faster outbound/return clearance, mitigating airport dwell time even when visas are required overseas.