Maldives Retains Crown as South Asia’s Most Powerful Passport for Seventh Year

The Maldives has cemented its position as South Asia’s leader in travel access, climbing one place to 52nd globally in the latest Henley Passport Index.

For the seventh consecutive year, the Maldivian passport has been ranked the most powerful in the region, now offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 92 destinations worldwide. The improvement from 53rd place last year reflects a steady diplomatic trajectory that continues to place the Maldives well ahead of its regional peers.

The gap between the Maldives and the rest of South Asia remains pronounced. India, the next highest-ranked country in the region, is placed 80th globally with access to 55 destinations. It is followed by Bhutan at 85th place with access to 50 destinations, while Sri Lanka trails further behind with access to 39.

These disparities highlight the sharply diverging levels of global mobility and diplomatic reach within the subcontinent. At the bottom of the global ranking, Afghanistan remains in last place, with visa-free access to just 24 destinations.

Globally, the upper ranks of the index continue to be dominated by Asian and European nations. Singapore retained its position as the world’s most powerful passport, granting access to 192 destinations. It was followed by Japan and South Korea in second place, while Germany, Italy, and Spain shared third place.

The index, compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is widely regarded as a key benchmark of global passport strength, reflecting shifts in international diplomacy and travel freedom.