Passport Power Boost
In the latest 2026 Henley Passport Index, the Indian passport has achieved a remarkable ascent, climbing an impressive 10 positions to secure the 75th
rank globally. This elevation grants Indian citizens the privilege of visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a total of 56 countries worldwide. This significant improvement marks a notable jump from its 85th position in 2025, continuing a positive trajectory from its 84th rank in 2023 and 80th in 2024. The index highlights a consistent upward trend in global mobility for Indian passport holders, a stark contrast to its 90th ranking in 2021, indicating a growing ease of international travel for Indian citizens. This enhanced accessibility is a testament to evolving diplomatic relations and international agreements that facilitate smoother journeys for the nation's travelers, opening up a world of opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exploration.
Global Destinations Unveiled
Indian passport holders can now embark on journeys to 56 diverse nations across multiple continents without the need for a prior visa. In Asia, popular destinations include Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Macao (SAR China), Myanmar, and Laos. The African continent opens its doors with visa-free access to Angola, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, The Gambia, Comoro Islands, and Cape Verde. For those dreaming of island getaways, Oceania offers Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The Caribbean and Americas region welcomes travelers to Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Furthermore, the Middle East is accessible with visa-free entry to Jordan and Qatar, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and economic experiences for Indian globetrotters.
Understanding the Index
The Henley Passport Index operates by evaluating 199 passports against a comprehensive list of 227 global travel destinations. This ranking is meticulously compiled using data sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For each destination, a passport receives a score of '1' if its holder can enter without a prior visa, can obtain a visa upon arrival, or is eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Conversely, any destination that necessitates obtaining a visa or government approval before travel is awarded a score of '0'. The collective scores determine a passport's ranking, with lower rankings signifying greater global freedom of movement and easier international travel for its citizens. This methodology provides a transparent and standardized measure of passport power worldwide.
