Passport Index 2026: What It Is and Why It Matters

Kokila Chokkanathan
The Henley Passport Index is one of the most widely followed global rankings of passport strength. It evaluates how many countries passport holders can visit without applying for a visa before departure — including visa‑free entry, visa‑on‑arrival, and electronic travel authorisations (eTA). Rankings are based on data from the international Air Transport Association (IATA).

In simple terms:

  • A higher rank means more travel freedom for citizens.
  • A lower rank means travel requires more pre‑departure visas or restrictions.
India’s Big Jump in 2026

📈 Significant Rise in Ranking

In the 2026 Henley Passport Index, India’s passport climbed to the 75th position globally, marking a jump of 10 places from the previous year’s 85th rank.

This improvement reflects stronger relative performance compared to other countries — even though the absolute number of visa‑free destinations hasn’t increased significantly.

✈️ Visa‑Free Access for indian Passport Holders

Indian citizens can now access 56 destinations without securing a visa in advance. These include countries where travellers can enter:

  • Visa‑free
  • Visa‑on‑arrival
  • Or via an e‑visa / travel authorisation system
    This accessibility boosts convenience for indian tourists, business travellers, and students.
Why india Ranks Higher Despite Fewer Visa‑Free Countries

Here’s the twist: India’s climb in ranking occurred even though it now technically has access to fewer visa‑free destinations compared to previous years.

📉 What Changed in Visa Access?

  • In 2025, indian passport holders had access to 57 visa‑free destinations.
  • In the 2026 index, that number dipped slightly to 56 destinations.
    This means india lost visa‑free access to some countries — notably iran and bolivia — but gained others like The Gambia.
📊 How the Index Still Ranks india Higher

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports relative to each other, not just based on a single country’s absolute count of visa‑free destinations. This means:

  • Even if India’s own visa‑free count drops slightly,
  • Other countries might lose more access or gain less, shifting the relative leaderboard.
So india can move up in rank even if its number of visa‑free access spots falls — essentially climbing because other passport scores changed more.

What This Means for indian Travellers

🛫 Better Mobility Compared to Recent Years

  • Rising to 75th represents a notable recovery from the earlier dip to 85th.
  • Citizens now enjoy easier access to more destinations without lengthy visa processes.
🌍 Still Far Behind Top Passports

Despite this progress:

  • The world’s most powerful passports — like 🇸🇬 Singapore — allow visa‑free access to nearly 190+ destinations.
  • India remains behind many european and east Asian passports in terms of sheer mobility.
Top Passport Leaders in 2026

According to the Henley Index:

🇸🇬 Singapore — around 192 visa‑free destinations

🇯🇵 Japan & 🇰🇷 South Korea — ~187 visa‑free destinations

🇸🇪 Sweden & 🇦🇪 UAE — ~186 visa‑free destinations
…followed by several european nations with similarly high access.

Why Passport Strength Still Matters

Passport strength shapes how easily people can travel for:

  • Tourism
  • Business
  • Education
  • Cultural and diplomatic ties
Higher rankings often reflect stronger bilateral relationships, improved visa agreements, and greater global integration.

Summary: India’s 2026 Passport Index Snapshot

Metric

2026 Status

Global Rank

75 (Climbed 10 spots)

Visa‑Free / Visa‑on‑Arrival Access

56 destinations

Historical Context

Higher than 85th in 2025, still below best rank of 71st in 2006

Relative Strength

Improved due to global mobility shifts

Conclusion

While indian passport holders may now have access to slightly fewer places visa‑free than last year, the global context has enabled india to climb the passport rankings significantly. This paradox highlights how relative changes in visa policies around the world can influence global rankings. For indian travellers, this translates into greater convenience and travel flexibility across multiple regions, even as top tier passport holders continue to enjoy broader access.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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