The Sri Lankan passport has fallen to 98th place in the latest Henley Passport Index 2025 Global Ranking, the index revealed.
In September, Sri Lanka lost six positions, following a brief rise from 96th to 91st place in July. The Henley Passport Index ranks countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can enter without a prior visa.
Currently, Sri Lankans enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 41 countries, while a valid visa is required for entry into 185 destinations worldwide.
At the top of the index, Singapore maintains first place with access to 193 countries without a visa. South Korea ranks second with 190 destinations, followed by Japan with 189.
Notably, for the first time in the 20-year history of the index, the U.S. passport has dropped out of the top 10, now ranking 12th alongside Malaysia. Russia’s passport also declined from 46th to 50th, placing it below Venezuela and Moldova.
At the lower end, Afghanistan remains at the bottom with visa-free access to just 24 countries, followed by Syria (26) and Iraq (29).
Among South Asian nations, India ranks 85th, down five places from the previous year. Pakistan is 103rd, with access to 31 destinations, Bangladesh is 100th (38 countries), and Nepal is 101st (36 countries). Bhutan ranks 92nd, offering visa-free access to 50 countries, slightly stronger than its regional neighbors.
