The Sri Lankan passport has recorded a significant improvement in the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing five spots from 96th to 91st place. This upward momentum follows last year’s four-place leap, marking steady progress in the country’s global mobility.
According to the index, which ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, Sri Lankan passport holders now enjoy visa-free access to 42 destinations worldwide.
The global rankings continue to be dominated by Asian and European nations. Singapore retains its top position with visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed closely by Japan and South Korea at 190. Seven European nations – Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain – share third place, offering access to 189 destinations.
Meanwhile, countries like India have made notable progress, climbing eight spots to 77th place, the country’s biggest jump in over a decade, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries. Saudi Arabia recorded the highest gain in visa-free access this quarter, moving up four places to 54th, now allowing its passport holders to visit 91 destinationswithout a prior visa.
In contrast, Pakistan remains near the bottom of the index, ranked fourth-worst globally – only ahead of Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
The Henley Passport Index, published quarterly by Henley & Partners, is a globally recognized ranking of world passports according to the travel freedom they offer. The continued improvement of Sri Lanka’s position reflects a growing recognition of the island nation in global mobility and diplomacy efforts.
