Maldives Passport Retain Top Rank in South Asia

The Maldives passport has been ranked as the most powerful in South Asia, securing the 53rd position in the Henley Passport Index 2025. The index evaluates passports based on the number of visa-free destinations available to their holders.

This year’s ranking marks a slight drop for the Maldives, as its passport was ranked 52nd in the previous year’s index. Despite this, Maldivians retain access to 94 countries without requiring a visa prior to arrival, maintaining the passport’s strong regional standing.

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India, the second-highest ranked South Asian country, was placed at 85th with 57 visa-free destinations. Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the global rankings, holding the 106th position, with access to only 26 visa-free destinations.

Globally, Singapore claimed the top spot in the index, with its passport granting access to 195 destinations without a visa. Japan followed in second place, offering its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations.