New Delhi | 16-01-2026: The Henley Passport Index 2026 shows that India ranks 80th in the world, with Indian passport holders able to travel to 55 countries without needing a visa in advance (visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa).
The good news for Indian travellers is that India’s passport ranking has improved by five places, moving from 85th last year to 80th in 2026. This reflects slightly better travel access, especially to parts of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, island nations, and the Caribbean, where Indians can travel visa-free, with visa-on-arrival, or through e-visa systems.
However, the bad news is that India still remains well below the global average, which now stands at over 100 visa-free destinations. Indian passport holders continue to require advance visas for most major economies, including Europe’s Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, limiting spontaneous travel and increasing costs and paperwork. At the top of the global rankings, Singapore leads with access to 192 destinations, while Afghanistan remains at the bottom with access to just 24 destinations.
Where Indians Can Travel Easily in 2026
Indian travellers have relatively easy access to:
Nearby countries: Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia
Middle East: UAE, Qatar, Oman, Iran
Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia
Island & holiday nations: Mauritius, Seychelles, Fiji, Samoa
Caribbean: Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada
These destinations are popular for tourism, short business trips, and transit travel.
What a High Passport Ranking Shows
(Based on the Henley Passport Index)
High level of global trust in a country and its citizens
Political stability and a strong, reliable system
Effective diplomacy and strong international relations
Greater economic strength and influence
Easier travel, business, and education opportunities for citizens
Strong global image and soft power
Willingness to support openness and reciprocal travel agreements
Passport Ranking: What it means for Indians
Indians can travel to 55 countries visa-free, with visa-on-arrival or e-visa
Travel to Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia still requires advance visas
Spontaneous international travel is limited, compared to citizens of high-ranking countries
Travel planning takes longer and costs more due to visa fees and paperwork
Business travel is slower, affecting meetings, trade events, and short-term work trips
The ranking reflects India’s diplomatic reach and global trust, not just tourism
The five-place rise from last year shows slow but steady improvement, not a breakthrough
Also read: Indian Economy: Higher Imports Drive Wider Trade Deficit in December
The Bottom Line
India’s passport is getting stronger—but very slowly. For now, Indians enjoy easier travel mainly in nearby regions and developing economies, while access to the world’s biggest economies remains limited.
Until major visa relaxations happen, planning ahead isn’t optional—it’s essential for Indian travellers.
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