India's Passport Moves Up, But Visa-Free Travel Drops Slightly

India's passport has moved up in a global ranking. However, travelers may now need a visa for Iran and Bolivia. This update shows how travel rules can change.
By Newsroom | Travel, India |

A recent evaluation of global passports shows India's travel document has climbed in standing, yet its access to visa-free entry has diminished in two specific nations. This dual development prompts an examination of the factors influencing passport power and the practical implications for Indian travelers.

Context

The Henley Passport Index, a widely recognized measure of passport strength, has updated its 2026 rankings. India's passport has ascended by ten places, now ranking 75th. This improvement is measured against other nations' passport standings and reflects a complex global landscape of changing travel policies.

However, this rise in ranking occurs concurrently with a reduction in the number of destinations where Indian citizens can enter without a prior visa. The total number of countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for Indian passport holders has decreased from 57 to 55.

Read More: India's Passport Moves Up in Global Ranking

India's Passport Ranking Rises, But Loses Visa-free Access to 2 Countries - 1

The Henley Passport Index methodology assigns points based on the number of destinations passport holders can access without requiring a visa in advance. This includes visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, and certain electronic travel authorizations.

Evidence of Changes

Reports indicate that the decline in visa-free access is directly attributed to policy changes enacted by Iran and Bolivia.

India's Passport Ranking Rises, But Loses Visa-free Access to 2 Countries - 2

  • Iran: Previously, Indian citizens could obtain a visa upon arrival in Iran. This facility has been suspended, requiring travelers to secure a visa before departure. This change effectively moves Iran from a visa-on-arrival status, considered close to visa-free under the Henley Index, to a visa-required destination. Indian authorities have also issued warnings regarding agents promoting visa-free transit through Iran.

  • Bolivia: Similarly, Bolivia has altered its entry requirements, no longer offering the previous visa-on-arrival option for Indian citizens. This necessitates obtaining a visa prior to travel.

Passport Ranking Dynamics

The apparent contradiction of an improved ranking alongside reduced visa-free access stems from the comparative nature of the Henley Passport Index.

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  • Relative Strength: India's ranking has risen not solely due to an expansion of its own visa-free destinations, but because other countries have experienced sharper declines in their passport standings. These declines are attributed to factors such as tightened border controls and evolving security frameworks.

  • "Leaderboard" Effect: The index functions akin to a leaderboard, where each country's score is measured against others. Even if a country's absolute visa-free count dips slightly, it can still move up if its competitors' scores fall more significantly. This indicates that India's passport strength is perceived as growing in relative terms within the global context.

Impact on Travel Access

The shift in policy for Iran and Bolivia has tangible consequences for Indian travelers.

India's Passport Ranking Rises, But Loses Visa-free Access to 2 Countries - 3

  • Reduced Access: The number of destinations requiring advance visa arrangements for Indian citizens has increased by two.

  • Visa Requirements: Travelers bound for Iran and Bolivia must now complete visa application procedures before their journey. This may involve new documentation and associated fees.

  • Updated Information: Organizations that manage travel visas, such as VisaHQ, are adapting to these changes, offering assistance for the new e-Visa system in Bolivia and standard visa applications for Iran. Employers are advised to update their visa matrices and brief traveling staff.

  • Remaining Access: Despite these specific losses, Indian passport holders still retain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a significant number of countries. Current figures suggest this access extends to 55 to 56 countries, depending on the specific index criteria.

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The current situation underscores the necessity for Indian travelers to stay informed about evolving visa regulations, particularly for destinations that frequently adjust their entry policies.

Expert Analysis

Analysts note that passport rankings are a fluid metric, susceptible to the geopolitical and policy decisions of individual nations.

India's Passport Ranking Rises, But Loses Visa-free Access to 2 Countries - 4

"The Henley Passport Index measures a passport’s strength relative to other countries. India’s ranking improved not because of a major expansion in visa-free access, but because several other countries experienced sharper declines due to tightened border controls and evolving security frameworks." - TravelBiz Monitor

This perspective highlights that while India's passport has gained standing, it is within a broader global context of shifting travel freedoms. The changes in Iran and Bolivia, while specific, are part of a larger pattern of nations re-evaluating entry requirements.

Conclusion and Implications

India's passport has achieved a notable ascent in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, now ranking 75th. This improvement is a testament to its comparative strength within the global landscape of passport power. However, this progress is accompanied by a reduction in visa-free access, specifically due to new entry requirements implemented by Iran and Bolivia.

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The divergence between the improved ranking and the decrease in visa-free destinations signifies the complex, relative nature of the Henley Passport Index.

The implications for Indian citizens are clear:

  • Increased Planning: Travel to Iran and Bolivia now demands pre-trip visa arrangements.

  • Dynamic Travel Environment: The global travel landscape remains subject to frequent policy shifts, requiring continuous vigilance from travelers.

  • Continued Global Access: Despite the recent changes, a substantial number of countries remain accessible to Indian passport holders with minimal visa formalities, preserving considerable international mobility.

Moving forward, staying abreast of specific country visa policies will be paramount for Indian travelers to ensure smooth and informed international journeys.

Sources Used

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did India's passport ranking go up?
India's passport ranking went up because other countries' passports ranked lower. It's a comparison between countries.
Q: Which countries now require visas for Indians?
Indians now need to get a visa before traveling to Iran and Bolivia. They used to have easier entry.
Q: How many countries can Indians visit without a visa now?
Indians can still visit many countries without a visa, around 55 to 56, but the number has slightly decreased.
Q: Does this mean Indian travel is harder now?
Not really. While two countries changed their rules, India's passport is still seen as stronger overall compared to others.