In a welcome turn of events, Sri Lanka’s passport has made significant gains in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, vaulting five places to land in 91st position globally. This upward move signals increased international mobility for Sri Lankans and reflects growing confidence in our nation. Let’s explore what this means for travel, business, and Sri Lanka’s global standing, and how the momentum can be sustained movingfor ward.
ward.
Passport Rank: What’s Changed?
- Jumping five spots: Sri Lanka moved from 96th to 91st place in 2025.
- Visa-free access expanded: Sri Lankan passport holders can now visit 42 countries without arranging a visa beforehand.
- Sharing space with peers: The country now shares its ranking with Iran and South Sudan, underlining competitive parity in travel freedom.
- Regional context: In South Asia, Sri Lanka surpasses neighbours like Bangladesh (93), Nepal (94), and Pakistan (96). Only India (80) holds a stronger regional position.
Why This Rank Matters
- Boost for Business & Trade
Increased visa-free access helps Sri Lankan entrepreneurs explore opportunities abroad more freely. This enhances networking, foreign direct investment, and trade relations—giving local SMEs a global stage. - Tourism & Diaspora Connections
Easier travel boosts tourism both outward and inward, benefiting Sri Lankan travellers abroad and enticing global visitors to our shores. It also makes it simpler for the diaspora to reconnect with homeland. - Perception & Global Credibility
A rising passport index score symbolizes enhanced international perception. It shows that Sri Lanka is being welcomed rather than viewed with suspicion—a positive signal for diplomacy and earning global respect. - Catalyst for Further Reforms
This achievement opens the door for Sri Lankan authorities to negotiate more bilateral visa-free agreements—especially with ASEAN, Shengen Europe, and North America—to heighten mobility further.
Behind the Climb: What’s Driving the Shift?
- Easing of Visa Policies by Destination Countries
A number of nations recently relaxed visa rules for Sri Lankans, driven by diplomacy, tourism strategies, or immigration reprioritising. These policy changes add up in the Index’s scoring system. - Enhancements in Passport Quality
Improvements in anti‑fraud security features and modernisation in issuance have made Sri Lankan passports more trustworthy internationally. - Strategic Diplomacy
Sri Lanka’s active engagement with global partners—on tourism, trade, education, and climate diplomacy—has generated goodwill, paving the way for favourable visa arrangements.
The Road Ahead: Challenges & Opportunities
1. Deepening Diplomatic Ties
Sri Lanka must double down on forging strong bilateral agreements—especially with key blocs like the EU, USA, Schengen states, Canada, and Australia—covering business, tourism, and student access.
2. Regional Momentum
Our neighbours are not standing still. Nations like Bhutan and the Maldives have already achieved higher rankings—showing that continuous reform is essential to stay competitive.
3. Practical Passport Upgrades
Policymakers should improve the passport issuance process—introducing digital applications, biometric updates and faster turnaround—to enhance both convenience and international appeal.
4. Strategic Tourism Integration
Jetting freedom should link with marketing Sri Lanka as a compelling destination. From beach retreats to cultural heritage, promoting inbound tourism amplifies the passport’s value.
What Sri Lankans Should Know
- Plan Travel Smoothly: While visa-free perks have broadened, it’s vital to double-check entry requirements before booking—since rules can differ, including for stays, passport validity, and other conditions.
- Tap into Global Markets: Business owners and professionals now have fewer travel restrictions—ideal for attending conferences, meeting clients and exploring regional hubs like ASEAN and the Middle East.
- Connect with the Diaspora: Easier travel fosters family ties and cultural exchange. Plus, it boosts the potential for remittance flows and knowledge transfer to fuel national growth.
Spotlight on the Henley Passport Index
- Evaluates 227 destinations across all nationalities.
- Measures actual travel access—how many places passport holders can enter visa-free or with visa‑on‑arrival.
- Updated quarterly, using data from IATA and official government sources.
- Benchmarks against global travel access; Singapore leads with access to 193 destinations—shipping with powerhouses like Japan and Germany.
