Bhutan’s passport ranking in the 2025 Henley Passport Index has dropped to 90th, down from 87th last year. The Henley Passport Index ranks passports from around the world based on how many countries their holders can visit without a visa. The index uses data from the International Air Transport Association, which is the world’s most reliable source of travel information.
Henley and Partners, the firm behind the index, explained that Bhutan’s drop in ranking could partly be attributed to the loss of visa-on-arrival access to Armenia, Oman, and Togo, which transitioned to eVisa systems over the past year.
As a result, Bhutanese travellers now need to apply for eVisas online before entering these countries, unlike before when they could obtain visas upon arrival. Despite this, Bhutan still enjoys visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 50 countries.
Over the years, Bhutan’s passport ranking has fluctuated. It peaked in the late 2000s and early 2010s, reaching 76th and 77th. However, like many countries, Bhutan’s ranking took a significant hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bhutan’s passport reached its lowest point at 96th in 2021, but it has gradually recovered in the years since.
Despite some improvements, Bhutan’s ranking has largely remained in the 90th range, reflecting limited progress in expanding visa-free travel agreements. According to the index, Bhutanese passport holders can currently travel to 52 countries with either visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.
In South Asia, Bhutan ranks third in the Henley Passport Index, behind the Maldives at 53rd and India at 85th. The Maldives, with visa-free access to 90 countries, has consistently improved its ranking due to stronger bilateral agreements and its global appeal as a tourism destination.
India, ranked 85th, offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 countries, slightly more than Bhutan. However, Bhutan’s ranking remains ahead of other South Asian nations, such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, which are ranked significantly lower.
Globally, the Henley Passport Index is led by countries like Singapore and Japan. Singapore holds the top position in 2025, with visa-free access to 195 destinations, followed by Japan with 193 destinations.
However, the rankings may change in the future as more countries transition to eVisa systems. According to the foreign ministry, Bhutan is also planning to implement an eVisa system within the next two years, which is expected to streamline the process for international travellers visiting the country.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Sonam Pem
