Henley Passport Index 2026: Major improvement in the ranking of Indian passport, visa-free/VoA/ETA facility in 55 countries

The Indian passport has seen a significant improvement in its global ranking in 2026. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, India’s ranking has risen five places to 80th. India shares this ranking with Algeria and Niger. Indian passport holders will now be able to travel to a total of 55 countries without a visa, via visa-on-arrival (VoA), or via eTA.

Singapore topped the index, with its citizens able to travel visa-free to 192 countries. Japan followed with 188, and South Korea followed with a similar number. This suggests a strong correlation between a country’s economic strength and international travel freedom.

According to the report, visa procedures have become easier for Indian travelers to Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and some island nations. However, Indians still need to obtain a visa in advance to travel to many countries in Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, and East Asia. The top 10 in the index is dominated by European countries, whose passports allow travel to more than 180 countries.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s passport was the weakest on the list, with citizens having limited access to only 24 countries. The report also noted that the United States has returned to the top 10 after a brief period, although both the US and UK’s passports have seen a decline in strength compared to last year.

According to Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, travel has increased over the past 20 years, but not all countries have benefited equally. He said that today, the power of passports influences people’s opportunities, security, and economic participation, and that stable and strong countries have the most advantage.

The report named the UAE (United Arab Emirates) as the fastest growing country. Since 2006, the UAE has added visa-free access to 149 new countries, moving it up to fifth place. China, meanwhile, ranked 59th, with its citizens able to travel visa-free to 81 countries.