Indian Passport Moves Up 5 Spots in World Ranking
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Jan 14, 2026
- 676
India has made notable gains in global travel mobility, with its passport rising five places to 80th position in the Henley Passport Index 2026, up from 85th last year. The improvement reflects India’s expanding diplomatic engagement, granting Indian passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations worldwide.
The Henley Passport Index ranks global passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The index relies on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), supplemented by research conducted by Henley & Partners.
Under the 2026 rankings, India’s upward movement signals a gradual strengthening of international mobility and acceptance. While the overall number of accessible destinations has marginally decreased compared to 2025, the improved ranking highlights relative progress amid shifting global visa policies.
In contrast, India had slipped to 85th place in 2025, despite having access to 57 destinations, down from its 80th rank in 2024. That decline underscored ongoing challenges in travel freedom but also marked a turning point for renewed diplomatic efforts.
The index continues to reveal a growing global mobility divide. Singapore retained its position as the world’s most powerful passport for the third consecutive year, offering visa-free access to 192 of 227 destinations. Japan and South Korea jointly hold second place with access to 188 destinations.
Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland occupy third place with 186 destinations, followed by Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Norway in fourth place with 185 destinations. Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the UAE round out the top five, each providing access to 184 destinations.
What This Means for Indian Travellers
India’s return to the 80th position marks steady progress in global mobility, offering Indian citizens greater ease of international travel than some neighbouring countries. However, significant visa barriers remain, particularly when compared with top-ranked passports that enjoy near-universal access.
The rise reflects positive momentum, even as India continues to navigate a highly competitive and evolving global travel landscape.