Indian Passport Ranks Second Cheapest Globally, Following UAE
Recent findings reveal that the Indian passport stands as the world’s second most cheapest and affordable travel document, trailing behind the UAE. Despite its economical acquisition, the Indian passport offers access to only 62 countries visa-free. In contrast, the UAE claims the top spot for both affordability and visa-free accessibility.
The Indian passport, characterized by its deep blue cover adorned with the national emblem, serves as a symbol of opportunity and global citizenship for millions of Indian citizens. A study conducted by Compare the Market AU, an Australian firm, scrutinized passport acquisition costs, cost-effectiveness per year of validity, and visa-free accessibility.
Among the findings, Mexico emerged as the most expensive passport at USD 231.05 for 10 years, while Australia followed closely behind at USD 225.78 for the same duration.
According to the firm’s press statement, India ranks second overall for passport affordability, with a 10-year validity costing USD 18.07, closely behind the UAE at USD 17.70 for a 5-year passport.
In terms of cost per year of validity, India boasts the cheapest passport at USD 1.81 annually. South Africa and Kenya secured the second and third positions, with costs around USD 3.05 and USD 3.09 per year, respectively.
Despite the economic advantage of Indian passports, their limited visa-free access contrasts with countries like Australia, the USA, and Canada, which, despite higher fees, offer broader passport power.
Recognizing the significance of passports, many travelers opt for travel insurance to alleviate expenses resulting from loss, theft, or damage abroad. Adrian Taylor, Executive General Manager of General Insurance at Compare the Market, underscores the value of travel insurance in mitigating stress during unforeseen circumstances, ensuring peace of mind while traveling.
Taylor emphasizes, “Nobody wants to be stressed out on their holidays. Damage, loss, or theft of your important documents is an unfortunate risk many people face while overseas. Depending on your policy, travel insurance may be able to help cover the cost of a replacement if you need to apply for one.”
