India's passport has climbed ten places in the latest Henley Passport Index, now ranking 75th globally. This advancement signifies an increase in travel ease for Indian citizens, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 56 countries. While the ranking has improved from last year's 85th position, the number of accessible destinations remains unchanged. This shift suggests a recovering global travel landscape for India, though access to major economic hubs like the United States, China, and the EU continues to face hurdles.
Passport Strength and Global Mobility
The Henley Passport Index, a recognized authority on global passport power, evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. This includes visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, and electronic travel authorizations. The latest report indicates that Indian passport holders can now travel to 56 countries with simplified visa procedures.
Read More: O Romeo Does Well on First Day, Tu Yaa Main Has Low Sales
The Indian passport now ranks 75th, a rise of ten positions from its previous standing.
Indian citizens have access to 56 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.
This improvement is seen as a gradual recovery in global travel access for India.
Shift in Top Rankings
The upper echelons of the Henley Passport Index have seen a subtle redistribution. While Singapore continues to hold the top spot with visa-free access to 192 destinations, traditional frontrunners like the U.S. and U.K. are no longer leading contenders. This has created space for Western European and Nordic countries, including Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, to join the group of passports offering the most extensive global access.
Singapore remains the most powerful passport, with access to 192 destinations.
Japan and South Korea offer access to 187 destinations visa-free.
European nations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain are also noted for their strong passport power, offering access to 185 destinations.
Drivers of India's Improved Ranking
The ascent of the Indian passport is attributed to several factors, including bilateral agreements and policy changes. Analysts suggest that India's own initiatives, such as waiving short-term e-tourist visa fees for certain ASEAN markets, have encouraged reciprocal actions from other nations.
Read More: India's Passport Moves Up, But Visa-Free Travel Drops Slightly
Bilateral agreements over the past 18 months have been crucial.
Countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Kazakhstan have extended visa-exemption periods for Indian citizens.
Kenya and Rwanda have removed the requirement for advance visa applications for Indian tourists.
Several Caribbean nations, including Barbados and Dominica, have formalized visa-on-arrival privileges.
However, it is important to note that while some destinations offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, the actual process may still involve requirements such as proof of funds, return tickets, or hotel confirmations, with non-compliance potentially leading to border denials.
Destinations and Access Types for Indian Passport Holders
Indian passport holders benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 56 countries. These destinations span various regions, including Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Oceania. The specific types of access vary, encompassing visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, and electronic travel authorizations (e-visas).
Read More: Student Found Dead in Indore Home
| Access Type | Example Destinations |
|---|---|
| Visa-Free | Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Iran, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Nepal, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Thailand |
| Visa-on-Arrival | Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Jordan, Laos, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niue, Palau Islands, Qatar, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Zimbabwe |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) | Kenya, Seychelles, St. Kitts and Nevis |
It should be noted that lists provided in the source data can vary slightly between articles.
Future Outlook and Remaining Challenges
The current ranking signifies a positive trajectory for Indian passport holders, reflecting an improving global travel environment. Nevertheless, significant barriers persist for access to major global economic centers.
Read More: Heathrow Boss Says People Walking on Different Sides Makes Airport Feel Crowded
Traditional corporate hubs such as the United States, China, most of the EU, and Japan continue to have high entry barriers for Indian citizens.
The progress achieved is largely concentrated in leisure-heavy emerging markets.
For individuals and businesses navigating these evolving travel regulations, resources are available to track entry rules and manage visa applications, aiming to mitigate unexpected complications at borders.
Sources
The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/travel/henley-passport-index-global-passsport-index-indian-passport-visa-free-countries-2026/article70631470.ece
CNBC TV18: https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/indias-passport-climbs-to-75th-rank-in-2026-global-index-grants-visa-free-travel-to-these-56-countries-ws-el-19849765.htm
The Financial Express: https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/henley-passport-index-2026-india-jumps-10-positions-from-last-year-visa-free-access-to-56-countries/4141113/
The Economic Times: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/visit/indian-passport-climbs-10-spots-in-global-ranking-allowing-visa-free-access-to-56-countries/articleshow/128288812.cms
News18: https://www.news18.com/india/india-climbs-10-spots-in-henley-passport-index-but-visa-free-access-dips-from-last-year-9902531.html
India Today: https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/travel/story/indian-passport-rises-spots-henley-passport-index-global-travel-access-2868027-2026-02-13
NDTV: https://www.ndtv.com/travel/indian-passport-is-75th-most-powerful-climbs-10-ranks-in-new-henley-index-10997895
Timesnownews: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/indian-passport-climbs-10-ranks-in-new-henley-index-becomes-the-75th-most-powerful-passport-globally-article-153605954
VisaHQ: https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-02-13/in/india-climbs-to-75th-place-on-henley-passport-index-gaining-visa-free-access-to-56-destinations/
The Statesman: https://www.thestatesman.com/india/henley-passport-index-india-ranking-1503556666.html
Read More: Airport Security Workers May Not Get Paid If Government Funding Stops
