2024 Passport Rankings: India Slips to 85th, France Tops
The latest Henley Passport Index for 2024 is out, and India has slipped down one rank to 85th place compared to last year. This index ranks countries based on how powerful their passports are, and this time, France leads the pack, allowing its citizens visa-free access to a whopping 194 countries.
India's position may have dropped, but the number of countries granting visa-free access to Indian passport holders has increased slightly from 60 to 62 this year. Meanwhile, Pakistan remains at 106th place, and Bangladesh slipped from 101st to 102nd.
Joining France at the top are Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain.
Surprisingly, the Maldives, India's neighbor, stands at 58th place, with its citizens enjoying visa-free access to 96 countries.
A country's passport strength is a crucial measure of its soft power in geopolitics, allowing its citizens to travel freely without needing a visa.
China has slightly improved its ranking from 66th to 64th this year, mainly by granting visa-free access to several European nations to boost its tourism post-pandemic. Meanwhile, the United States moved up from 7th to 6th place, despite its ongoing immigration debates.
The Henley Passport Index relies on data from the International Air Transport Authority and covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations. Over the years, global mobility has significantly evolved, with the average number of visa-free travel destinations nearly doubling from 58 in 2006 to 111 this year.
The Henley Passport Index, with its historical data spanning 19 years, remains the go-to reference for global citizens and countries alike to gauge passport power and global mobility. It's updated monthly, offering insights into the changing dynamics of international travel.
The steady rise in the number of countries allowing visa-free access reflects the evolving landscape of global relations and the growing interconnectedness of nations. Back in 2006, the average person could travel visa-free to just 58 countries. Today, that number has nearly doubled, reaching 111 countries.
This shift underscores the importance of passports in facilitating global interactions, whether for tourism, business, or diplomatic purposes. As countries strive to enhance their diplomatic ties and attract visitors, the strength of their passports plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of their global influence.
Looking ahead, as geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, so too will the rankings on the Henley Passport Index, offering valuable insights into the changing nature of global mobility and diplomatic relations.
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