Indian passport's value is zero!' Travel vlogger's ordeal exposed the truth, people's anger erupted on social media

New Delhi, The global acceptance of Indian passport has once again come under question. The travel vlogger, popularly known as 'On Road Indian', shared the troubles he faced during his foreign travel in a viral video on social media, which exposed the weak status of Indian passport. The vlogger claimed that despite having sufficient money, documents, and travel history, he faced visa problems and humiliation in many countries. This video sparked a fierce debate on social media, and #IndianPassportCrisis started trending. Let's understand this controversy with facts.

Vlogger's ordeal: Questions on the value of passport

'On Road Indian' said in a video shared on Instagram, "This one in my hand has no value." Showing his Indian passport, he said that apart from visa-on-arrival countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, Indian passport holders are denied entry in many “difficult countries”. The vlogger gave the example of Jordan, where he was denied entry because of his Indian passport. Countries like Egypt are now asking Indians for invitation letters, and China gives Indians only 24 hours visa-free transit visa, while other countries get 10 days exemption.

“I have all the documents, tickets, and money, but during passport checking, I am looked up and down, made to wait for hours, and sometimes denied entry,” the vlogger said. The video has garnered over 7 million views in two days, with thousands of users sharing similar experiences.

Indian Passport Ranking: The Bitter Truth

The Indian passport is ranked 85th in the Henley Passport Index 2025, reflecting its weak position globally. Indian passport holders can travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to only 59 countries, while the Singapore Passport, which ranks first, gives visa-free entry to 193 countries.

A user on X wrote, "The ranking of the Indian passport is so low that even in poor countries like Malawi, we are looked at with suspicion." Another user said, "In many countries, one has to make Jugaad for visa, yet there is humiliation." These posts reflect the frustration of Indians.

Anger and demand on social media

This video sparked a debate on the global status of the Indian passport on social media. Users demanded the government to increase the acceptability of the passport (Global Passport Acceptance). One user wrote, “Vishwaguru ki baatein to hoti hain, but the value of passport is at number 85. This is shameful.” Many users urged the Ministry of External Affairs to ease visa rules and focus on bilateral agreements.

However, some users argued that the ranking of passports is based only on the number of visa-free countries, and India's economic progress should not be judged by it. Still, most users believed the vlogger and shared the troubles they faced during their travels.

Government's stance and efforts

The Ministry of External Affairs has taken several steps to improve passport services. The application process has been made transparent and faster through the Passport Seva Portal. By 2024, 36 passport offices and 190 Indian Missions Abroad are providing passport services in India. However, India will have to enter into more bilateral agreements to increase the acceptability of the passport globally. Experts say that India's economic and diplomatic strength can be used to increase the number of visa-free countries.

Global context and future

One of the reasons for the poor ranking of the Indian passport is regional security concerns and illegal migration. Recently, reports of misuse of fake Indian passports by Bangladeshi infiltrators came to light, which prompted some countries to crack down on Indian passports.

Conclusion

The viral video of 'On Road Indian' has exposed the bitter truth on the global status of the Indian passport. The 85th ranking and limited visa-free access remain a challenge for Indian travelers. The anger and demands of the people on social media are a wake-up call for the government. Will India be able to increase the value of its passport? It depends on the diplomatic initiatives of the government and global relations. Until then, Indian travelers will have to be prepared for visa rules and strict scrutiny.