India’s passport has climbed 10 places to 75th position in the 2026 edition of the Henley & Partners Henley Passport Index, reflecting improved global mobility for Indian travellers.
The index, based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter without obtaining a visa in advance. This includes visa-free, visa-on-arrival and certain electronic travel authorisations.
In 2026, Indian passport holders have access to 56 destinations without prior visa approval. Although the ranking has improved significantly from last year’s 85th position, the total number of visa-free destinations has dropped slightly from 57 in 2025 to 56 this year.
The reduction is due to policy changes by two countries.
Iran withdrew its visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passport holders in late 2025. Indian travellers must now apply for a visa before departure, meaning the country no longer qualifies under the index’s visa-free criteria.
Similarly, Bolivia revised its travel rules for Indian citizens, replacing visa-on-arrival with a pre-approved e-visa requirement. Since travellers must secure authorisation before flying, Bolivia is no longer counted as a visa-free destination in the index.
Experts note that the Henley ranking is relative. India’s jump in position reflects shifts in other countries’ standings as well, not just changes in its own visa access.
Despite the improvement, India remains far from the top tier globally. Countries like Singapore continue to dominate the index, offering visa-free access to nearly 200 destinations worldwide.
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