2026 Henley Passport Index: India Ranks 84th Among 199 Passports

The Henley Passport Index for October 2026 has been released, and India now stands at 84th position. The index compares 199 passports against 227 travel destinations and counts how many places a passport holder can enter without getting a visa beforehand. It uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which makes it one of the most widely followed travel rankings in the world.

India’s Passport Ranking Increased from 85th to 84th Position

India has gained one place compared with last year. In the October 2025 edition, it ranked 85th with access to 57 destinations. In October 2026, it is 84th with access to 55 destinations. It shares this position with Algeria and Mauritania.

Why Did the Indai Passport Rank Improve Even Though the Score Fell?

India’s score dropped by two destinations, yet its rank went up. This happens because the index is relative. A country’s position depends not only on its own score but also on how the scores of other countries change. When other passports lose access or fall behind, a country can move up without gaining anything itself. So the improvement from 85th to 84th does not mean Indians now find it easier to travel abroad.

Does India Get Visa-Free Access to 55 Destinations?

Not exactly. The score of 55 includes three types of entry:

• Visa-free entry
• Visa on arrival
• Electronic travel authorisation (eTA)

Each category has different conditions, so Indian citizens cannot enter all 55 places without any formalities.

Some Visa-Free Destinations for Indian Passport Holders

• Bhutan and Nepal
• Malaysia and Thailand
• Mauritius and Fiji
• Jamaica and Barbados
• Kazakhstan and Rwanda
• Angola, Senegal and Vanuatu

The permitted length of stay and the passport validity needed differ from one country to another. Travellers should always check official immigration guidance before leaving. The ranking only measures travel access. It does not decide whether a person is eligible for a work visa, student visa or permanent residency abroad.

Top Global Passports in 2026

• 1st place: Singapore, with 192 visa-free destinations
• 2nd place: Japan, South Korea and the UAE, with 188 destinations each
• 3rd place: Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, with 186 destinations each
• 4th place: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway, with 185 destinations each
• Last place (101st): Afghanistan, with 24 destinations

European countries and a few Asian nations dominate the top of the list, showing how strong diplomatic and travel agreements help a passport.