2019 has started off with a bang for Indians seriously craving wanderlust. The 2019 Passport Index, which ranks 199 countries on the basis of their visa-free scores and on the UNDP Human Development Index, indicates the growing strength of holding an Indian passport. Ranked 77 in 2015, it is now ranked at an astounding 67th. Among the SAARC nations, India ranks second only after Maldives (52nd). Well, what does this mean
Now say you have suddenly made up an impromptu plan involving a trip outside of India. With the Indian passport jumping 10 positions, it means that your passport will now grant you visa-free entry into 25 countries and visa-on-arrival to 39 more states from around the globe. Check which countries do not require visa or give visa on arrival to Indians here. Doesn't that open up a floodgates of options when you book your tickets
Foreign nations in recent years have begun to see Indian tourists as just that and not from the point of view of suspicion. While Indians still do need a visa to visit 134 countries from around the globe, this is a positive step. The UAE passport ranked No.1 in the index with it allowing hassle free travel to 167 countries ahead of the likes of Germany (No.2), and the USA and France (joint 3rd). What's more surprising though is how welcoming India has become to foreigners. Citizens of 166 countries can enter India visa-free or with visa-on-arrival putting our country 19th on welcoming countries' list.
Go book your tickets and make 2019 the year of travel
