The 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index has delivered mixed news for India. While India has recorded a notable improvement in its global passport ranking, the actual number of destinations Indian passport holders can visit without prior visas has marginally declined compared to last year.

According to the latest rankings, India stands at 75th position in 2026, a significant jump from 85th place in 2025, marking an improvement of ten ranks. Interestingly, India was placed 80th in January 2026, meaning the country climbed five additional positions within just a month.

Fewer destinations despite higher rank

Despite the rise in ranking, Indian passport holders currently have access to 56 visa-free destinations, including visa-on-arrival and electronic travel authorisation. This is slightly higher than the 55 destinations recorded in January 2026, but still below the 57 destinations available in 2025.

This paradox highlights how changes in other countries’ passport strengths can influence rankings, even when a nation’s own travel access remains stagnant or declines.

What is the Henley Passport Index?

The Henley Passport Index is published by Henley & Partners and ranks 199 passports across 227 global destinations. The rankings are based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association.

Passports are scored on the basis of how many destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. This includes visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, and electronic travel authorisation options. The higher the number, the stronger the passport’s global mobility.

India loses access to two countries

India’s slight dip in visa-free access is primarily due to the removal of two destinations—Iran and Bolivia.

Iran suspended visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passport holders in November 2025. The move followed reports of fraud and human trafficking cases involving Indian nationals who were allegedly lured with fake job offers and later kidnapped for ransom.

As a result, India’s visa-free tally dropped from 57 in 2025 to 55 at the start of 2026, before recovering slightly to 56 in February.

Big picture

While India’s improved ranking reflects broader global shifts, the decline in actual visa-free access underlines the ongoing challenges Indian travellers face. The 2026 index thus presents a nuanced picture—stronger positioning on paper, but limited real-world expansion in travel freedom.