Indian Passport Ranked 84th In October 2026 Henley Passport Index, Visa-Free Access Falls To 55 Destinations

India has secured the 84th position in the October 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index, with Indian passport holders able to access 55 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance. Although India has moved up one place from its 85th position in October 2025, the number of destinations accessible to Indian travellers has declined from 57 to 55. 

The latest ranking, released on October 9, places India alongside Algeria and Mauritania. The index measures the travel access enjoyed by passport holders worldwide, based on the number of destinations they can visit without securing a visa before departure.

Singapore Tops Global Passport Rankings

Singapore has retained the top position in the October 2026 Henley Passport Index, offering its passport holders access to 193 destinations without a prior visa.

Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates jointly occupy second place, with access to 188 destinations each. Sweden ranks third with access to 187 destinations, while France, Germany, Italy and Spain are among the countries sharing fourth place, with access to 186 destinations.

The United Kingdom ranks sixth, with access to 184 destinations, while the United States occupies 10th place, with access to 180 destinations.

Where Can Indian Passport Holders Travel Without A Prior Visa?

Indian passport holders can visit several international destinations without obtaining a traditional visa before departure. These include Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Mauritius, Thailand, Barbados, Fiji, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Rwanda, Senegal, Dominica, Haiti and Vanuatu, among others.

However, the index’s score of 55 destinations does not mean that travellers can enter every destination without any formalities. Depending on the destination, Indian citizens may qualify for visa-free entry, a visa on arrival or an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

Entry conditions, permitted lengths of stay and passport-validity requirements vary by destination. Travellers should check the latest rules through official immigration websites or the relevant embassy before booking flights.

Why Has India’s Passport Ranking Changed?

India’s latest ranking highlights the difference between a passport’s global position and the number of destinations accessible to its holders.

In October 2025, India ranked 85th, with access to 57 destinations. In October 2026, it moved up to 84th, even though its access score fell to 55 destinations. <Cite refs={[“turn776616search0″,”turn776616search1”]}/>

This means that a higher ranking does not necessarily indicate that travellers have gained greater mobility. Rankings are relative and can change depending on the visa-access scores of other countries and changes in international visa policies.

The Henley Passport Index is compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), supplemented by its own research. The index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations and is updated monthly.

What Does The Ranking Mean For Indian Travellers?

The 84th-place ranking provides an overview of the international travel access available to Indian passport holders. It can help travellers compare passport mobility when planning holidays, business trips or visits to family abroad.

However, the ranking does not determine whether an individual qualifies for a work visa, student visa or permanent residency in another country. Those decisions depend on the immigration rules and eligibility requirements of the destination country.

For Indian travellers, checking the latest visa requirements remains essential before making international travel arrangements, particularly as visa policies and entry conditions can change.