Top 10 strongest and weakest passports in the world, know where India stands

In the day and age of globalization, international travel has increased at an exponential rate. While the flow of goods and ideas continues to connect people around the world, the flow of humans across the planet is facilitated by a tiny booklet with a unique emblem representing a particular nation. The power of this tiny booklet called the passport can not be underestimated since it single-handedly determines the ease with which travellers can cross borders and explore a new horizon.

Every year, the Henley Passport Index issues an interesting list that ranks countries based on the power of their passports. The Index determines the doors of how many countries can be opened by a particular passport. As per their website, the index ranks passports based on the number of countries that their holders can visit without the need for a visa before arrival. This ranking is determined by the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), which maintains the most extensive and precise database of travel information worldwide.

How do international relations play a crucial role in the determination of Passport power?

It is important to note that international relations play a significant role in determining the power of a passport. Countries with stronger ties usually ensure that their citizens can travel to and fro easily. Hence, a country with positive international relations with nations around the world will have a more powerful passport in comparison to a country that does not have a good reputation. Here’s a look at the top 10 most and least powerful passports in the world.

Top 10 most powerful passports in the world

According to the Henley Passport Index, here are the top 10 most powerful passports in the world: 

10 least powerful passports in the world

According to the Henley Passport Index, here are the 10 least powerful passports in the world:

Where does India stand? Challenges holders of the least powerful passports face

According to the Henley Passport Index, the passport of the Republic of India stands at the 86th rank. Indian passport holders usually have visa-free access to around 57 countries. Usually, holders of the least powerful passports face challenges such as limited travel opportunities and the need for extensive visa applications. These challenges can have a significant impact on the individual’s life as they might face obstacles when it comes to getting new opportunities. Hence, the power of a passport has become a critical factor for global mobility.