The Maldives has climbed one place in the latest Henley Passport Index, maintaining its position as the strongest passport in South Asia.

The Henley Passport Index, published annually by global citizenship advisory firm Henley & Partners, ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.

The rankings are compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

According to the latest index, the Maldivian passport is ranked 52nd out of 101 passports, up from 53rd place last year.

Maldivian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 92 countries.

Within South Asia, India holds the second-strongest passport, ranking 80th globally, with visa-free access to 55 countries.

Bhutan follows in third place in the region, allowing entry to 50 countries without a visa. Sri Lanka ranks next, with its passport offering visa-free access to 39 countries.

On the global stage, Singapore retained its position as the world’s strongest passport, granting access to 192 destinations without a prior visa.

It is followed by Japan and South Korea in second place, while five European countries share third position in the rankings.