Henley Passport Index (HPI)

The Henley Passport Index (HPI) is a global ranking of countries based on the travel freedom their citizens enjoy. Published by: It is compiled and published by Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm.

Data source: The rankings are based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate travel information database.

Ranking criteria: Each passport is ranked according to the number of destinations its holders can access without a prior visa (i.e., visa-free or visa-on-arrival access).

Scoring method: A score of 1 is assigned for each country a passport holder can enter without a visa or where a visa can be obtained on arrival. No points are awarded if a visa or government approval is required before travel. Purpose: It measures the strength and global mobility of passports, showing how easily citizens of a country can travel internationally.

Update frequency: The index is updated quarterly to reflect changes in visa agreements and policies between countries.

Recent trends: Countries such as Japan, Singapore, and South Korea often top the index, with their passports offering access to the most destinations. India’s rank typically lies in the 80s to 90s range, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 60 countries (as per recent data).

Significance: The index helps governments, investors, and travelers understand global mobility trends and the impact of diplomatic relations on travel freedom.