Indian Passport Climbs Five Places In Henley Index

India’s passport strength has shown a modest recovery in the latest global mobility rankings, with the Indian passport climbing five places to rank 80th in the Henley Passport Index 2026. The improvement reflects incremental gains in international travel access for Indian citizens, even as global mobility patterns remain uneven.

Improved Ranking and Access

According to the 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index, Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free or obtain a visa-on-arrival in 55 destinations worldwide. This marks an improvement from 2025, when India was ranked 85th. In 2024, India had also occupied the 80th position. In the current rankings, India shares the 80th spot with Niger and Algeria, indicating a clustered performance among several developing economies.

Methodology of the Index

The Henley Passport Index evaluates 199 passports across 227 countries and territories, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association. The ranking is determined by the number of destinations a passport holder can enter without a prior visa, including visa-free and visa-on-arrival access. Changes in diplomatic relations, visa policies, and bilateral agreements directly influence year-on-year movements in the index.

Global Leaders in Passport Strength

Asian countries continue to dominate the top of the rankings. Singapore holds the number one position, with its citizens enjoying visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea are jointly ranked second, offering access to 188 destinations. Several European countries, including Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, and Luxembourg, share the third position with access to 186 destinations. The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a standout performer, climbing to fifth place after gaining extensive visa-free access over the past two decades.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• The Henley Passport Index is published annually by Henley & Partners.
• It uses data from the International Air Transport Association.
• Visa-free and visa-on-arrival access determine passport rankings.
• Singapore currently holds the world’s strongest passport.

Bottom Rankings and Regional Context

At the lower end of the index, Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, ranked 101st with visa-free access to just 24 destinations. Pakistan is ranked 98th. Meanwhile, the United States, after slipping out of the top 10 last year, has returned to the 10th position. For India, the latest ranking signals gradual progress, though its passport strength continues to lag behind several emerging and developed economies, underscoring the importance of sustained diplomatic and mobility-focused engagement.