India rises to 80th in Henley Passport Index 2026, granting visa-free access to 55 countries

India has climbed five spots in the Henley Passport Index 2026, moving from 85th last year to 80th place, tied with Algeria. The ranking gives Indian passport holders visa-free access to 55 countries, reflecting steady progress in diplomatic engagement and expanding international travel opportunities.

The improved ranking allows Indian travellers greater flexibility to explore new cultures, pursue short-term work or study abroad, and plan international trips with ease compared to some neighbouring countries.

Visa-free travel: Easy access, no prior approval

Indian passport holders can now visit several countries without a visa, making spontaneous trips, holidays, or business travel hassle-free. Key destinations include:

Asia & Pacific: Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, Mauritius, Fiji
Caribbean: Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica

Stays in visa-free countries can range from two weeks to several months, giving travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture without visa-related stress.

Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) / ETA: Flexibility for planned trips

For countries offering Visa-on-Arrival or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), travellers can obtain entry permission at the border or online before departure. Popular options include Cambodia, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, along with several African, Middle Eastern, and Pacific destinations. Entry rules and allowed durations vary, so travellers should check the latest requirements before departure.

Global passport trends

Singapore tops the Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea (188). European countries dominate the top ranks, while emerging leaders like UAE (5th), New Zealand (6th), Australia (7th), Canada (8th), and Malaysia (9th) provide expanding travel opportunities.

South Asian passports remain comparatively limited. Pakistan ranks 98th with access to 31 countries, and Bangladesh 95th with 37, highlighting the relative advantage for Indian travellers.

Top destinations for Indian passport holders

Visa-Free: Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Nepal, Niue, Rwanda, Senegal, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Vanuatu

Visa-on-Arrival / ETA: Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Philippines, Palau Islands, Qatar, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Zimbabwe

This year, Indian travellers can enjoy greater freedom to explore a wide range of destinations across Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Americas, and the Caribbean — making international travel easier and more accessible than ever.