India's Improved Standing
The Henley Passport Index 2026 has brought some encouraging news for India, with the country climbing five spots to reach the 80th position. This marks
a positive development, indicating an increase in the number of countries where Indian passport holders can travel without a visa or obtain a visa upon arrival. The data highlights a considerable improvement, especially when contrasted with the previous year's ranking. This upward movement reflects India's ongoing efforts to enhance its global standing and provide greater ease of travel for its citizens. This year, India shares the 80th spot with Niger and Algeria, demonstrating a competitive standing on the global scale.
Global Passport Leaders
The index also offers insights into which countries currently hold the most powerful passports. Singapore claims the top spot, granting visa-free access to a remarkable 192 out of 227 destinations. Japan and South Korea share the second position, with their citizens able to visit 188 destinations without a visa. This underscores the significance of passport strength in facilitating global mobility and underscores the value of these top-ranked passports. Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, and Luxembourg share third place, showcasing the breadth of visa-free travel available to their citizens. This highlights the varied landscape of international travel and the diverse range of experiences available to people from different countries.
UAE's Impressive Ascent
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has shown extraordinary progress in recent years. This year, they have climbed an impressive five places to secure the fifth position. The UAE has seen the strongest performance in the Henley Passport Index's 20-year history. Since 2006, the UAE has gained visa-free access to 149 destinations, moving up an impressive 57 places in the rankings overall. This showcases a clear dedication to enhancing global connections and streamlining international travel for their citizens. The UAE's achievement sets a strong example and underscores the effectiveness of their strategic initiatives to improve passport power.
India's Visa-Free Access
For Indian passport holders, the updated index reveals visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations. While the number of destinations has slightly increased, this still offers Indian travelers greater convenience and flexibility in their international travel plans. The Henley Passport Index analyzes data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to determine which countries a passport allows visa-free entry. This detailed process ensures reliable insights for global travelers. India's recent climb in the rankings shows improved global accessibility. This provides travelers with more opportunities to explore diverse destinations around the world.
Past Year's Comparison
Looking back to 2025, India held the 85th position, with visa-free access to 57 destinations. In 2024, it was at the 80th spot. The Henley Passport Index has clearly shown an evolution over time. Comparing these figures offers a clearer understanding of the improvements in travel freedom. The shift in ranking highlights the dynamic nature of international travel policies. This data illustrates the continual efforts of countries to improve their global standings and provide citizens with greater opportunities for international travel. This gives a broad view on how things have changed.
Bottom of the List
While India progresses, it's also worth noting the countries at the bottom of the list. Afghanistan holds the 101st position, allowing visa-free entry to 24 destinations. Pakistan is not far behind, ranking 98th. These rankings highlight the significant disparities in global mobility and the varying levels of access to international travel that citizens of different countries have. It also underscores the importance of a strong passport in facilitating international travel and the advantages it offers.
