Sri Lanka’s passport has experienced a remarkable transformation in global mobility rankings, climbing from the depths of international travel restrictions to achieving significant improvements in visa-free access for its citizens. This upward trajectory represents more than just travel convenienceāit reflects the island nation’s diplomatic resilience, strategic foreign policy initiatives, and gradual economic recovery following years of political and financial turmoil.
The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story
According to the latest 2025 Henley Passport Index, Sri Lanka has made impressive gains, jumping five positions from 96th to 91st place globally. This improvement allows Sri Lankan passport holders to access 42 countries without requiring a prior visa, sharing the 91st position with Iran and Sudan. Ada Derana
The significance of this climb becomes even more apparent when viewed through a historical lens. Sri Lanka’s passport ranking has shown a steady upward trajectory over recent years:
- 2021: 107th position
- 2022: 102nd position
- 2023: 100th position (climbing 8 positions from the previous year)
- 2024: 96th position
- 2025: 91st position (5-position improvement)
This represents a 16-position improvement over four years, demonstrating sustained diplomatic progress despite the country’s economic challenges.
Understanding the Henley Passport Index Framework
The Henley Passport Index, launched in 2005 and considered the most authoritative global passport ranking, measures travel freedom based on the number of destinations passport holders can access without requiring a prior visa. The index uses exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and covers 199 passports across 227 travel destinations. Department of Immigration and Emigration
Countries receive scores based on visa-free access, visa-on-arrival arrangements, and electronic travel authorization (ETA) systems. The methodology provides a comprehensive assessment of global mobility, making it a crucial indicator of diplomatic relationships and international trust.
Key Factors Behind Sri Lanka’s Passport Power Improvement
1. Strategic Diplomatic Initiatives
Research from Henley & Partners indicates that diplomatic relations, economic stability, security measures, and reciprocal agreements are the primary factors influencing passport strength. IAS Gyan
Sri Lanka’s improvement can be attributed to several diplomatic strategies:
Enhanced Bilateral Relations: The country has actively pursued stronger diplomatic ties with key regional and global partners, focusing on tourism, trade, education, and climate diplomacy initiatives.
Reciprocal Visa Arrangements: Sri Lanka has successfully negotiated mutual visa facilitation agreements, where both countries benefit from easier travel arrangements for their citizens.
Regional Integration: The country has strengthened its position within South Asian and Indo-Pacific frameworks, leveraging regional cooperation to enhance diplomatic standing.
2. Tourism-Driven Visa Policy Reforms
Tourism has emerged as a critical driver of Sri Lanka’s visa policy liberalization. Following the economic crisis, the government has prioritized tourism as a key revenue source, leading to significant policy changes:
Free Visa Regimes: Sri Lanka implemented free visa arrangements for nationals from seven key countries – China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan – initially until March 2024, which was later extended. Department of Immigration and Emigration
Expanded Visa Waivers: In 2025, Sri Lanka announced plans to extend visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 40 countries, including major markets like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. This ambitious expansion aims to boost tourism revenues and demonstrate the country’s commitment to openness. Skift
3. Enhanced Passport Security and Modernization
The improvement in Sri Lanka’s passport ranking also reflects investments in passport security and modernization:
Advanced Security Features: Implementation of enhanced anti-fraud security features and biometric technologies has increased international confidence in Sri Lankan passports.
Digital Infrastructure: Modernization of the passport issuance process, including digital applications and improved processing systems, has enhanced the document’s credibility globally.
4. Economic Recovery and Stability Signals
Despite ongoing economic challenges, Sri Lanka’s gradual stabilization has positively influenced international perceptions:
IMF Program: The country’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund and implementation of economic reforms have signaled commitment to financial stability.
Trade Agreements: New bilateral trade agreements, such as the Free Trade Agreement with Thailand signed in February 2024, have contributed to improved diplomatic relations and visa facilitations. Wikipedia
Regional Competitiveness and South Asian Context
Sri Lanka’s passport performance must be understood within the broader South Asian context. The country now surpasses several regional neighbors:
- Sri Lanka: 91st position (42 visa-free destinations)
- Bangladesh: 93rd position
- Nepal: 94th position
- Pakistan: 96th position
- India: 77th position (59 visa-free destinations)
This regional comparison highlights Sri Lanka’s competitive position, though India maintains a significantly stronger passport ranking. Ceylon Public Affairs
The Global Mobility Gap and Implications
Research from Henley & Partners reveals that the global mobility gap between top and bottom-ranked countries has widened significantly. While Singapore (1st place) offers access to 193 destinations, Afghanistan (last place) provides access to only 25 destinations. Henley & Partners
Sri Lanka’s position at 91st, while improved, still places it in the lower half of global passport rankings, indicating substantial room for further diplomatic and policy improvements.
Economic and Business Impact
The improvement in passport ranking carries significant economic implications:
Enhanced Business Mobility: Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and professionals now face fewer travel restrictions, facilitating international business development, conference participation, and market exploration.
Tourism Sector Benefits: Easier travel arrangements attract more visitors while enabling Sri Lankans to explore international tourism markets, creating opportunities for cultural and economic exchange.
Foreign Investment Attraction: Countries with stronger passports tend to attract more foreign investment, as international entrepreneurs prefer locations that offer greater global mobility for potential residency or citizenship programs.
Diaspora Connectivity: Improved travel freedom strengthens connections with the Sri Lankan diaspora, potentially boosting remittance flows and knowledge transfer initiatives.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Sustaining Momentum
Several challenges could impact Sri Lanka’s continued passport ranking improvement:
Economic Volatility: Ongoing economic challenges could affect diplomatic relationships and bilateral agreement negotiations.
Regional Competition: Neighboring countries are also actively working to improve their passport rankings, requiring Sri Lanka to maintain continuous diplomatic efforts.
Global Security Concerns: International security developments could impact visa policies and travel freedom globally.
Strategic Opportunities
ASEAN Integration: Closer ties with ASEAN countries could provide additional visa facilitation opportunities.
European Union Relations: Negotiating improved access to Schengen area countries remains a key objective for enhancing passport power.
Commonwealth Advantages: Leveraging Commonwealth membership for enhanced travel arrangements with member countries.
Digital Nomad Programs: Developing digital nomad visa programs could improve Sri Lanka’s global mobility standing while attracting international talent.
Policy Recommendations for Continued Improvement
1. Comprehensive Diplomatic Strategy
Bilateral Agreement Prioritization: Focus on negotiating visa waiver agreements with high-GDP countries and key business destinations.
Multilateral Engagement: Active participation in regional and international organizations to build diplomatic capital.
Tourism Diplomacy: Use tourism promotion as a diplomatic tool to build positive relationships with target countries.
2. Economic Stability Measures
Sustained Reform Implementation: Continue implementing IMF-supported economic reforms to maintain international confidence.
Trade Liberalization: Pursue additional bilateral and multilateral trade agreements to strengthen economic relationships.
Investment Climate Improvement: Enhance the business environment to attract foreign investment and strengthen economic partnerships.
3. Security and Technology Enhancement
Border Security Modernization: Invest in advanced border control technologies to build international confidence in Sri Lankan travel documents.
Cybersecurity Infrastructure: Strengthen cybersecurity measures to protect passport and visa systems from fraud and security threats.
International Cooperation: Enhance cooperation with international security organizations and intelligence sharing arrangements.
Long-term Strategic Vision
Sri Lanka’s passport ranking improvement represents more than travel convenienceāit reflects the country’s broader strategic repositioning in the global community. The steady climb from 107th to 91st position over four years demonstrates that sustained diplomatic effort, coupled with economic stability measures and strategic policy reforms, can yield tangible results in international mobility.
The goal should be to reach the top 80 positions within the next five years, which would require accessing approximately 50-55 visa-free destinations. This ambitious target is achievable through continued diplomatic engagement, economic stabilization, and strategic policy implementation.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s passport ranking climb from 107th to 91st position represents a remarkable diplomatic achievement amid challenging economic circumstances. This improvement reflects the country’s strategic approach to international relations, tourism-driven policy reforms, and commitment to regional integration.
The journey from the depths of travel restrictions to enhanced global mobility demonstrates Sri Lanka’s resilience and adaptive capacity. However, sustaining this momentum requires continued diplomatic innovation, economic stability, and strategic vision.
As Sri Lanka continues its recovery and rebuilding process, the improved passport ranking serves as both a symbol of progress and a practical tool for economic development. The enhanced travel freedom for Sri Lankan citizens opens new opportunities for business, education, and cultural exchange, contributing to the country’s long-term prosperity and international standing.
The passport ranking improvement story is ultimately about more than travel convenienceāit’s about Sri Lanka’s determination to reclaim its position as a respected member of the international community, leveraging diplomacy and strategic policy-making to create opportunities for its citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.