Indian Passport’s ranking rose significantly in the Henley Passport Index, 2026, jumping 10 places to reach the 75th position globally. This ranking reflects
the number of destinations passport holders can visit without applying for a visa in advance, including visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa facilities. For Indian Passport holders, this means easier access to 56 countries worldwide. The Henley Index is globally recognised as the authority on passport strength. It uses travel data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to measure how freely citizens can move internationally. What this ranking means for Indian Travellers With the improved ranking, indian passport holders can enjoy broader travel freedom. Countries across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Oceania now welcome Indians with minimal visa hassles, making holidays, business trips, and cultural visits more convenient. Most powerful passports in 2026 1. Singapore: Offers visa-free access to 192 countries, retaining its position as the most powerful passport in the world. 2. Japan & South Korea: Both passports grant access to 187 destinations visa-free. 3. Sweden and the UAE: Both passports allow travellers visa-free entry to 186 countries. 4. Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Norway: Passports of all these countries offer access to 185 nations without prior visas. 5. Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal: Visa-free access to 184 countries. Countries like New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Malaysia and the United States round out the top 10, with U.S. passport holders able to access 179 destinations without a prior visa. India’s ranking over the years India’s passport was at its strongest in 2006, ranking 71st globally. With fluctuations in its ranking during the past decade, it fell to 85th last year before rising to 80th position at the start of 2026. Also Read: PMO Gets A New Address as PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Seva Teerth
