Henley Passport Index 2026: Indian passport rises to 80th, access to 55 countries

India’s passport has climbed five places to rank 80th globally in the Henley Passport Index 2026, reflecting a gradual improvement in international travel access for Indian citizens.

According to the latest index, holders of an Indian passport can now travel to 55 destinations worldwide either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access. India was ranked 85th in the previous edition of the index.

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa in advance. The rankings are compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association and track global mobility trends.

Despite the improvement, India remains well behind the world’s most powerful passports. Singapore retained the top position in 2026, followed by Japan and South Korea, whose citizens enjoy visa-free access to a significantly larger number of countries.

For Indian travellers, the improved ranking means easier access to several destinations across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. However, travel to major destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and most European countries continues to require prior visas.

The index highlights how visa policies and diplomatic agreements influence global travel freedom. While India’s position has improved modestly, the overall ranking underscores the gap that still exists between Indian passport holders and travellers from countries with higher global mobility.