New Delhi: India’s position on the Henley Passport Index 2026 has declined, with the Indian passport now ranking 81st globally. The latest index, released
on July 21, places India six positions lower than its 75th rank in the February edition. Despite the drop, Indian passport holders continue to enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations.
The Henley Passport Index, regarded as one of the world’s leading measures of passport strength, ranks countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can enter without obtaining a visa in advance. Compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the index compares 199 passports across 227 travel destinations. Here is how India’s ranking has changed and which countries currently lead the global list.
India’s ranking slips after earlier gains
India’s passport ranking has fluctuated throughout 2026. The country started the year at 85th, climbed to 75th in the February edition – its best performance in recent editions – before slipping to 78th in May. The latest rankings now place India at 81st.
According to the index, Indian passport holders currently have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 countries.
Henley Passport Index marks 20 years
The latest report also marks the 20th anniversary of the Henley Passport Index.
Using data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the index evaluates 199 passports against 227 destinations worldwide.
According to the report, the average number of destinations accessible without a prior visa has almost doubled over the past two decades, increasing from 58 in 2006 to 108 in 2026.
Top passports in Henley Passport Index 2026
Singapore retained the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates shared the second position with access to 188 destinations, followed by Sweden in third place with 187 destinations. The fourth rank was shared by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain, each with access to 186 destinations. Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Switzerland occupied the fifth position with 185 destinations, while Hungary, Poland and the United Kingdom ranked sixth with 184 destinations.
The seventh spot was shared by Australia, Canada, Czechia, Latvia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Slovakia and Slovenia, each offering access to 183 destinations. Croatia and Estonia ranked eighth with 182 destinations, followed by Liechtenstein and Lithuania with 181 destinations. Iceland and the United States completed the top 10, providing visa-free access to 180 destinations.
While India’s passport ranking has slipped in the latest edition, the index continues to reflect changing global travel access as countries expand or tighten visa policies over time.
