Setback for Indians; two countries will no longer allow entry without prior visa

NEW DELHI: The Indian passport has risen from 80th to 85th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, released this month. Despite the rise in the ranking, the number of countries that Indian passport holders can enter without a prior visa has decreased from 57 to 55. The change is due to the revision of entry rules by two countries, Iran and Bolivia, which used to provide easy entry in the past.

Indian citizens travelling to Iran will now need a visa. The new change comes after agents were found to be abusing the visa waiver scheme. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs had reported that several Indians were kidnapped by agents promising jobs and onward travel to Iran and held for ransom. Iran has suspended visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passport holders from November 22, 2025 due to this due to organized criminal networks. The authorities have also asked Indians to avoid agents offering visa-free transit through Iran.

Indian passport holders need an e-visa to travel to Bolivia. The e-visa must be applied for online. Forms, document uploads, and electronic fee payment are required. The approved visa must be sent digitally, and arrival checks must be in hand.