India Passport Climbs to 80th Rank in Henley Passport Index 2026

India’s Passport Rises Five Places in Henley Passport Index 2026

India has recorded a modest but notable improvement in global travel mobility, with the Indian passport climbing five places to 80th rank in the Henley Passport Index 2026 . The rise reflects incremental gains in visa-free and visa-on-arrival access for Indian citizens, even as international mobility remains uneven across regions.

Improved Ranking and Travel Access

In the 2026 rankings, Indian passport holders can access 55 destinations without obtaining a prior visa. This marks an improvement over 2025, when India stood at 85th position. Interestingly, India had earlier occupied the same 80th rank in 2024, indicating a partial recovery after last year’s dip.
India currently shares its position with Niger and Algeria , highlighting a clustered grouping of countries with similar mobility access.

How the Henley Passport Index Works

The Henley Passport Index evaluates 199 passports across 227 destinations , using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) .
Rankings are based purely on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa , including visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry. Shifts in rankings are influenced by diplomatic engagement, bilateral visa agreements, and changes in entry policies.

Global Leaders in Passport Strength

Asian nations continue to dominate the top of the index. Singapore holds the top rank, offering access to 192 destinations . Japan and South Korea follow closely in second place, while several European countries occupy the third rank.
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as one of the most dramatic climbers over the past two decades, reaching the fifth position due to sustained diplomatic outreach and visa liberalisation.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• The Henley Passport Index is published annually by Henley & Partners .

• Rankings are based on visa-free and visa-on-arrival access only.

• Data for the index is sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) .

• India ranks 80th in 2026 , with access to 55 destinations .

• Singapore currently holds the world’s strongest passport .

Bottom Rankings and India’s Outlook

At the lower end of the index, Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, while Pakistan is ranked 98th. The United States has returned to the top 10 after slipping last year.
For India, the improved ranking signals gradual progress , but its passport strength still trails behind many emerging and developed economies. Analysts note that sustained diplomatic engagement, expanded bilateral agreements, and improved global integration will be key to strengthening India’s long-term mobility prospects.