Traveling without a visa: How do India and Pakistan compare in the Henley Passport Index 2024?

The most recent results of the Henley Passport Index for 2024 were released, and France took top place as the most powerful passport in the world. India’s passport rating, on the other hand, has slightly dropped from 84th to 85th place from the previous year.

Although the ranking has decreased, Indian passport holders may now enter 62 countries—up from 60 previous year—without a visa. India’s decline in the overall rankings is in contrast to the rise in visa-free travel locations.

France’s passport allows entrance without a visa to an astounding 194 nations, demonstrating the country’s supremacy in the ranking. Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, all of whom have excellent passport rankings, join France at the top.

In comparison, Bangladesh has dropped to 102nd rank, while Pakistan is at 106th place.

The neighboring Maldives continues to be a strong passport-holding nation, ranking 58th out of 96 nations, granting visa-free travel to citizens of those countries.

The Henley Passport Index saw a decline in India’s rating despite recent declarations from Iran, Malaysia, and Thailand granting Indian travelers visa-free entrance.

The International Air Transport Association provides specialist data encompassing 227 travel locations worldwide and 199 passports, from which the Henley Passport Index is derived. The data spans nearly two decades. The index, which is updated every month, acts as a standard for freedom of travel and worldwide mobility.

Global mobility has changed significantly in the last 19 years, with 111 countries (up from 58 in 2006) offering visa-free travel, nearly tripling in size.

Passport strength continues to be a major element impacting global mobility and travel options for residents globally in the ever-changing world of international travel.