Indian Passport Rises to 80th Rank in Henley Passport Index 2026

India’s passport ranking improved in the latest Henley Passport Index, moving up five positions to the 80th spot. Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival to 55 destinations worldwide.

This marks a change from 2025, when India ranked 85th and offered access to 57 destinations, and from 2024, when it held the 80th position. The index evaluates global mobility based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa.

Global Leaders in Passport Strength

The top three positions in the Henley Passport Index 2026 are held by Asian countries. Singapore ranks first, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations out of 227 tracked globally.

Japan and South Korea share the second spot, with their citizens enjoying visa-free entry to 188 destinations. European nations including Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, and Luxembourg jointly occupy the third rank, providing access to 186 destinations.

Methodology and Scope of the Index

The Henley Passport Index assesses 199 passports against 227 destinations worldwide. It uses exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to determine the number of countries a passport holder can enter without a prior visa.

The rankings reflect global travel freedom and are updated regularly to account for changes in visa policies. The index has become a widely referenced benchmark for international mobility and comparative passport strength.

Notable Movements in Rankings

The United Arab Emirates recorded one of the strongest improvements, climbing five spots to reach fifth place. Since 2006, the UAE has gained visa-free access to 149 destinations and advanced 57 places in the rankings, marking the largest upward movement in the index’s 20-year history.

The United States, which dropped out of the top 10 last year and fell to 12th place, has regained its position among the top 10 passports globally. These shifts highlight evolving diplomatic and travel agreements across regions.

Read More: India and Germany Ink Major Deals to Boost Defence, Tech, and Energy Ties.

Conclusion

India’s rise to the 80th position in the Henley Passport Index 2026 indicates gradual improvement in global travel access. The number of destinations available visa-free or with visa-on-arrival remains limited compared with top-ranked countries.

Nevertheless, the upward movement reflects incremental gains in international mobility for Indian passport holders. The index continues to highlight wide disparities in travel freedom, with Asian and European passports dominating the top tiers.

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