Latest news with #HenleyIndex
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
At least 3 dead as flash floods sweep Afghanistan's Khost and Paktia
Flash floods have caused severe destruction across Afghanistan's eastern provinces of Khost and Paktia, killing three people and damaging homes, farmland, and key infrastructure, Khaama Press reported. Apart from loss of lives, the floods have had a devastating impact on the economy of the affected communities.(AFP File) According to Khaama Press, the floods swept through several districts in both provinces, disrupting lives and leaving widespread economic devastation in their wake. Local officials told Khaama Press that the Wazi district in Paktia and the Nadershah Kot, Zazi Maidan, and Sabari districts in Khost were among the hardest-hit areas, with homes and agricultural lands destroyed and retaining walls demolished. "Three individuals lost their lives in Nadershah Kot district while collecting firewood near the floodwaters," eyewitnesses told Khaama Press, highlighting the dangers posed by sudden flooding events in vulnerable rural areas. In addition to the tragic loss of life, Khaama Press reported that the floods have had a devastating impact on the economy of the affected communities, most of whom rely heavily on farming and natural resources for their livelihoods. The latest flooding comes just weeks after a similar disaster struck the same region, with Khaama Press noting a troubling trend of recurrent natural disasters in these provinces, where poor infrastructure and limited disaster preparedness exacerbate the consequences. Experts have called for urgent investment in flood management systems and greater support from national and international organisations to assist affected communities and build resilience against future calamities. The growing frequency of such disasters, coupled with limited global engagement, highlights Afghanistan's mounting vulnerabilities. Reflecting this broader isolation, Afghanistan's passport has been ranked the least powerful in the world in 2025, offering visa-free access to just 26 countries, as reported by Khaama Press. According to the Henley Passport Index for 2025, Afghanistan was ranked 106th, at the bottom of the global list, making it the most restricted passport worldwide. The annual index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter without a visa. Khaama Press reported that Afghanistan's travel freedom continues to shrink. In 2024, the country ranked 104th. The two-rank drop in 2025 highlights a further erosion in the country's global mobility, leaving Afghan citizens increasingly cut off from the rest of the world. Meanwhile, Singapore topped the Henley Index in 2025, with its citizens enjoying visa-free access to 195 countries. Japan followed with access to 193 destinations. Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Spain jointly secured third place, with visa-free access to 192 countries. By contrast, Afghan passport holders can travel without a visa to only 26 countries, including Sri Lanka, Somalia, Kenya, Cambodia, and Bangladesh, Khaama Press noted. The drastic gap underscores the limited options available to Afghan citizens for international movement. Despite the Taliban's control over the country, Afghan passports continue to be printed with the emblem of the former government, Khaama Press reported. The report also highlighted how this, combined with severe political instability and economic collapse, has worsened migration trends, even as acquiring a passport has become increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens. Khaama Press further stated that the consistent decline in the power of Afghanistan's passport mirrors the nation's worsening diplomatic and economic standing. The limited global access not only restricts individual movement but also reflects broader issues of international exclusion and lack of recognition. Experts note that unless Afghanistan addresses its core challenges, including governance issues, economic recovery, and efforts to gain international legitimacy, the passport is likely to remain at the bottom of global rankings for the foreseeable future.
India Today
5 days ago
- India Today
Indian passport at its highest rank in over decade, yet mobility gap remains wide
The Indian passport climbed three spots in the latest Henley Passport Index, its strongest jump to date. India now holds the 77th position is the Indian passport's best performance since 2014, when it was ranked 76th. Over the last decade, India's rank has seen frequent fluctuations, falling to its lowest point of 90th rank in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic. That gradually improved to 84th rank in 2023, 80th in 2024, and now to the Henley Index, Indian citizens can now travel to 59 countries either visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival. While this marks progress, India still trails far behind the world's most powerful passports. India's visa-free access has seen modest fluctuations over the past decade. In 2016, Indian passport holders could access 52 destinations without a prior visa, which dropped to 49 in 2017. However, the number rose sharply to 60 in 2018, marking one of the highest jumps in recent years. Since then, access has remained relatively stable, hovering between 58 and 62 the pandemic in 2021, while India's passport rank fell to its lowest, visa-free access still held steady at 58 destinations. In 2024, visa access peaked at 62 countries, before slightly declining to 59 in 2025, even as the ranking visa-free access to more countries can make international travel easier and more affordable for the public in India. It means they can visit other countries without going through long visa processes, saving both time and money. Students and jobseekers also benefit, as they can attend events, interviews, or educational fairs without worrying about visa comparisonAn analysis of key Asian nations shows that Singapore leads the global ranking, securing the top spot, followed closely by Japan and South Korea, which are tied for second place. The United Arab Emirates holds a strong position at eighth. Other countries like China, the Maldives, Turkey, and Thailand all rank higher than in South Asia, India holds the second-highest passport ranking, just behind the Maldives. Maldives citizens can travel to 93 destinations without a visa, giving them a significantly higher degree of global mobility. All of India's neighbouring countries rank lower: Bhutan 84th, Sri Lanka 91st, Bangladesh 94th, Nepal 95th, and Pakistan 96th. Afghanistan remains the lowest globally, ranking 99th, with access to only 28 mobilityDespite the recent improvement, the Indian passport still provides limited travel freedom compared to major Asian countries. The gap between India and the top-ranking passports remains significant, especially with many of them offering access to over 180 some countries have improved their global mobility, others have seen a steady decline. The United States, which once held the top position in 2014, has slipped to 10th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. The United Kingdom, which was also among the top-ranking passports in 2014, is now sixth.- EndsMust Watch
NDTV
5 days ago
- NDTV
Explained: How The Jump In India's Passport Ranking Can Benefit Travellers
India has made its biggest-ever leap in the global Henley Passport Index, climbing eight spots to rank 77th in 2025. With this move, Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations. This is a record high. The Henley Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa. In terms of travel freedom, India still lags behind top-ranking nations like Singapore (1st, 193 destinations), Japan, and South Korea, but the gap is slowly narrowing. India's upward movement places it ahead of several neighbouring countries and marks a significant step toward greater global travel access. Why A Stronger Passport Matters - And How Indian Travellers Can Benefit A stronger passport can benefit frequent flyers, business travellers, students, and even leisure tourists. Here are some of the advantages: Less paperwork: A stronger passport can mean fewer embassy visits and reduced money spent on agent fees Faster travel planning: It is easier to book last-minute trips to specific destinations if you have a stronger passport. This is because you won't have to worry about long, drawn-out visa application processes. Cost savings: If your passport allows you to travel visa-free or apply for e-Visas, this can translate to no visa fees or courier charges in many cases. More opportunities on a global scale: A strong passport can broaden your horizons, literally. Spontaneous vacations, international layovers, and longer stopovers become possible. In general, a stronger passport can help with smoother border entry and better chances for future visa approvals elsewhere. Countries Indian Passport Holders Can Visit Visa-Free Indian passport holders can currently travel visa-free to these destinations (subject to change based on bilateral policies): Africa Angola Kenya Madagascar Mauritius Rwanda Senegal Asia Bhutan Iran Kazakhstan Macao Malaysia Nepal Philippines Thailand* Oceania (Pacific Islands) Cook Islands Fiji Kiribati Micronesia Niue Vanuatu Caribbean Barbados Dominica Grenada Haiti Jamaica Montserrat St. Kitts and Nevis St. Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago British Virgin Islands Note that the "visa-free" label may come with stipulations. Each country may have different rules. For example, Indian passport holders wanting to travel to Thailand need to apply for a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) three days in advance of their planned date of arrival in the country. Countries Indian Passport Holders Can Visit With Visa On Arrival In addition to visa-free countries, these nations offer visa-on-arrival (VOA) facilities for Indian travellers: Africa Burundi Cape Verde Islands Comoro Islands Djibouti Ethiopia Guinea-Bissau Mozambique Namibia Sierra Leone Somalia Tanzania Zimbabwe Seychelles* Asia Cambodia Indonesia Jordan Laos Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Qatar Sri Lanka Oceania (Pacific Islands) Marshall Islands Palau Islands Samoa Timor-Leste Tuvalu South America Bolivia Caribbean St. Lucia VOA typically requires valid return tickets, proof of stay, and sufficient funds. Duration and cost may vary by country. There may be additional or unique requirements in some cases. For instance, Indian passport holders receive a visitor's permit upon arrival in Seychelles, rather than a regular visa. Accordingly, they need to apply for this Travel Authorisation (TA) before their trip. Key Tips to Keep in Mind 1. Always check entry rules on official embassy or consulate websites before making your travel plans. Regulations may change at any time. Remember, visa-free doesn't mean document-free. 2. Never forget to carry printed travel proof related to accommodation bookings, return tickets, financial means, etc 3. Note that some countries offer fast-track eVisas that still need pre-approval online. 4. If possible, maintain a strong travel history. Doing so can help with future visa approvals for highly sought-after destinations in Europe or North America. India's rise in the Henley Passport Index reflects a meaningful shift in how Indian travellers will be received around the world. With access to 59 destinations visa-free or on arrival, international travel is now more accessible than ever for Indian passport holders. Whether you're planning your next beach holiday, business trip, or solo adventure, the good news is that your passport now opens more doors than ever before. If you need to renew your passport soon, check out our detailed guide on this topic.
Mint
5 days ago
- Mint
Henley Passport Index: List of 59 countries where Indians can travel visa-free; check the 2 NEW destinations here
The Indian passport has strengthened its position globally, jumping eight spots to rank 77th on the Henley Passport Index 2025. While Indian passport holders now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations, the climb is notable, especially after a five-rank drop last year. The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can travel to without a prior visa. Despite adding only two new destinations to its visa-free tally, India's upward move signals improving global mobility. Among the most popular countries that do not require a visa for Indian travellers: Several others offer a visa-on-arrival (VOA): According to the full list, Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free or VOA access to 59 destinations, including: St. Vincent and the Grenadines St. Lucia St. Kitts and Nevis Zimbabwe Sri Lanka Vanuatu Somalia Sierra Leone Seychelles Senegal Tuvalu Samoa Trinidad and Tobago Qatar Timor-Leste Rwanda Tanzania Thailand Philippines Madagascar Haiti Macao (SAR China) Dominica Guinea-Bissau Djibouti Grenada Cook Islands Laos Kiribati Kenya Kazakhstan Comoro Islands Jordan Fiji Jamaica Cape Verde Islands Ethiopia Cambodia Iran Indonesia Burundi Angola Barbados Bhutan Bolivia British Virgin Islands Malaysia Maldives Marshall Islands Mauritius Micronesia Mongolia Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Niue Palau Islands While India is slowly improving, Asian countries dominate the top ranks on the Henley Index: Singapore holds the top position with visa-free access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow with access to 190 destinations. European passports from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others rank third with entry to 189 destinations. At the bottom of the list is Afghanistan, with visa-free access to only 25 destinations. Interestingly, China has seen a sharp rise over the years—from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025—though it still lacks access to Europe's Schengen region. India's rise in the global passport index may be modest, but it reflects growing diplomatic reach and international cooperation. As more countries open their borders to Indian travellers without stringent visa policies, global access continues to expand, albeit slowly.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Indian Passport makes a huge leap in 2025 global rankings: 59 countries now visa-free or VOA
As per the Henley Passport Index 2025, India has made a significant jump, and is now in the 77th position globally. With this, Indians will now be able to access 59 countries either visa-free or on visa-on-arrival (VOA). But how does that translate for travellers? And what does this jump really mean in a world where passport power reflects global diplomacy, economic partnerships, and shifting mobility trends? At first glance, an increase of only two destinations might not seem like much. But India's rise in rank is more a reflection of shifting global mobility patterns than just raw numbers. Many other countries are still in their same position or even fell in rank, allowing India to make up ground. The Henley Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, either visa-free or visa-on-arrival (VOA). Where can Indians travel visa-free? Currently, Indians enjoy visa-free or VOA access to 59 destinations, which means more flexibility for spontaneous travel, fewer visa fees, and smoother entry at international airports. Asia leads the pack Interestingly, the top of the index is no longer dominated solely by European nations. Asian powerhouses are now leading global mobility, with Singapore holding the top spot, offering access to 193 destinations without a prior visa. Closely following Singapore are: Japan and South Korea: 190 destinations each Seven European countries (including Germany, France, and Spain): 189 destinations New Zealand, Greece, and Switzerland: Tied at 5th with 188 destinations Meanwhile, at the bottom of the index is Afghanistan, whose citizens can access only 25 destinations without a visa, reflecting ongoing geopolitical challenges. Read more: ePassport in India: How to apply, and watch out for these fake websites US and UK fall behind Both the United States and United Kingdom, once crowned the most powerful passports (in 2014 and 2015 respectively), have fallen one spot each in 2025. The UK now ranks 6th with access to 186 destinations, while the US sits at 10th, offering visa-free travel to 182 destinations. This drop is partially attributed to more inward-looking immigration policies, as highlighted by Dr Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners. 'Your passport is no longer just a travel document—it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships,' he said in a press release. The surprising climbers Saudi Arabia made the biggest gain in the first half of 2025, adding four new visa-free destinations, now totaling 91. China made an impressive 34-place jump since 2015, now ranking 60th, though it still lacks visa-free access to the Schengen Area. These upward shifts underline how strategic alliances and trade agreements are reshaping the global travel landscape. Read more: Arunachal Pradesh to become 'India's First Orchid Capital': 6 must-visit destinations in the state for nature lovers Why it matters India's jump in the passport rankings may not revolutionise your next trip, but it reflects strengthening diplomatic ties, improving bilateral agreements, and growing recognition of Indian travellers. More importantly, it also hints at what's possible if India continues to forge stronger global partnerships. As international mobility becomes both a privilege and a currency, passport power is not just about holidays anymore, it's about access, opportunity, and influence on the world stage.
