HENLEY PASSPORT INDEX 2024

Recently, Henley Passport Index 2024 was released placing India at Rank 85, granting its citizens visa free access to 62 countries.

Overview of Henley Passport Index:

1. The Henley Passport Index is a comprehensive ranking of global passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
2. The index relies on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the largest and most accurate travel information database.
3. Enhanced by research conducted by Henley & Partners, a London-based advisory firm.
4. Includes 199 different passports and 227 travel destinations.

Highlights of Henley Passport Index 2024:

1. Top-Ranked Passports:

   1. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain lead as the most powerful passports, offering visa-free entry to 194 global destinations.
   2. The top 10 positions are predominantly held by European countries.

2. Growth in Accessible Destinations:

   1. The average number of visa-free destinations has almost doubled, rising from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024.

3. India's Ranking:

   1. India's passport is ranked 85^th
   2. Granting its citizens visa-free access to 62 countries.

• According to Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India, 16 countries allow visa-free entry, 40 countries provide visa-on-arrival, and 47 countries offer e-Visa facilities to Indian passport holders.
• India provides e-Visa facilities to nationals of 171 countries.

4. Lowest Ranked Passports:

   1. Afghanistan (rank 109) holds the lowest spot, with access to only 28 countries without a visa.
   2. Syria (rank 108), Iraq (rank 107), and Pakistan (rank 106), follow closely, with limited visa-free access.

5. Fastest Climber:

   1. The United Arab Emirates experienced significant growth, climbing to 11th place and offering visa-free access to 183 destinations.

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