New Delhi, January 15
India’s passport has climbed five places to rank 80th in the Henley Passport Index 2026, signaling modest gains in global mobility for its holders. This improvement allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations worldwide, up from last year’s tally when India stood at 85th.
The Henley Passport Index, published annually by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks 199 passports based on access to 227 travel destinations. India’s shared 80th position with Niger and Algeria reflects steady diplomatic progress amid uneven global visa policies.
Key Destinations Now Accessible
Indian passport holders can now enjoy hassle-free entry to popular spots, including:
- Thailand (visa-on-arrival)
- Indonesia (visa-on-arrival)
- Malaysia (visa-free)
- Mauritius (visa-free)
- Seychelles (visa-free)
- Nepal and Bhutan (visa-free, perennial favorites)
- Several Caribbean nations like Barbados and Grenada (visa-free)
These gains stem from recent bilateral agreements and policy tweaks, boosting tourism, business, and people-to-people ties.
Globally, Singapore leads with access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea (188 each). European powerhouses like Denmark and Switzerland tie for third (186). At the bottom, Afghanistan ranks 101st with just 24 destinations, while Pakistan sits at 98th. The US has re-entered the top 10.
For India, this upward tick underscores the value of sustained diplomacy, though it trails many emerging economies. Experts urge further visa waivers to enhance economic opportunities.
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