Henley Passport Index 2026: Insights for Indian Travelers
India's Current Standings
In 2026, India ranks 80th on the Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eTA access to 55 destinations. This position is shared with Algeria and Niger, marking an improvement from the 85th position in the previous year.
Global Trends and Rankings
- Top Performers:
- Singapore holds the most powerful passport, allowing access to 192 destinations without a prior visa.
- Japan ranks second with 188 destinations, followed by European countries in the top 10.
- Lowest Ranked: Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, with access to only 24 destinations.
- Average Global Access: The global average stands at over 100 destinations.
Factors Influencing Rankings
Passport power reflects political stability, diplomatic credibility, and the ability to shape international rules. The Henley Passport Index, created by Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, tracks these elements to reflect a country's international mobility.
Regional and Country-Specific Highlights
- UAE: Has climbed to 5th place, adding 149 visa-free destinations over 20 years.
- Western Balkans and Eastern Europe: Countries like Albania and Ukraine have shown significant improvements in rankings.
- US and UK: Both countries have experienced declines in their rankings due to geopolitical changes.
India's Travel Access and Challenges
Indian travelers need advance visas for most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, and parts of East Asia. This results in longer planning cycles and higher travel costs.
- Comparison with Other Countries:
- China (59th) - Access to 81 destinations
- Saudi Arabia (54th) - Access to 88 destinations
- South Africa (48th) - Access to 101 destinations
Visa-Free Destinations for Indian Passport Holders
As of January 2026, Indian passport holders can travel without a pre-approved visa to 55 destinations, primarily in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Oceania, and island nations.
- Popular Regions:
- Asia: Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, etc.
- Island Nations: Mauritius, Seychelles, Fiji, Cook Islands, etc.
- Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, etc.
- Caribbean: Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, etc.
- Restricted Regions: Major economies like Schengen Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, etc., still require pre-approved visas.
Global Openness and Shift in Power
The disparity between countries' outbound mobility and inbound openness is notable. The US allows visa-free entry only to 46 nationalities, ranking 78th on the Henley Openness Index. China, on the other hand, is increasing its openness, granting visa-free access to more countries, indicating a shift in global power dynamics.
