Maldives retains top spot in South Asia in passport index

Maldivian passport has moved up one place in the Henley Passport Index, retaining its position as South Asia’s most powerful passport for the seventh consecutive year.

Maldives now ranks 52nd out of 199 passports worldwide, allowing visa free or visa on arrival access to 92 countries. Last year, it was ranked 53rd.

The ranking places the Maldives well ahead of other South Asian countries. India, the next highest ranked country in the region, is placed 80th, with visa-free access to 55 countries.

Bhutan ranks third in South Asia, placed 85th globally, with its passport offering visa-free access to 50 countries.

At the bottom of the index, Afghanistan ranks 101st, with visa-free access to 24 countries, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Singapore retained its position as the world’s strongest passport, with access to 192 destinations without a prior visa. Japan and South Korea ranked second, followed by five European countries in third place.