According to the latest edition of the Henley & Partners Passport Index, India’s passport has made a notable leap, climbing to 75th position from 85th last year. This ten-rank jump reflects India’s renewed diplomatic momentum and expanding global mobility as international travel stabilises post-pandemic.
The Henley Passport Index, considered the most authoritative ranking of its kind, measures a passport’s strength based on how many destinations its holders can enter without obtaining a prior visa. As of 2026, Indian passport holders can travel to 56 countries visa-free or with a visa on arrival, marking a modest but encouraging improvement from recent years.
A Recovery After Decline
India’s passport strength has fluctuated significantly over the past two decades. The country achieved its best-ever ranking — 71st in 2006 — before gradually slipping amid tightening global entry restrictions, especially during and after the pandemic. By 2024, India had dropped to 80th, then further to 85th.
The current rise to 75th signals a slow yet steady recovery, showing that India is regaining lost ground in global mobility. However, experts note that more progress is needed for the country to return to its previous peak and to catch up with leading global economies in travel freedom.
Where Indian Citizens Can Travel Without a Visa
Indian passport holders can currently visit a mix of destinations across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Oceania without needing a pre-approved visa.
Visa-Free Destinations (No visa formalities required):
Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Iran, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Nepal, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Thailand.
Visa-on-Arrival Destinations (Visa issued upon landing):
Bolivia, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Jordan, Laos, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niue, Palau Islands, Qatar, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Zimbabwe.
What the Ranking Reflects
The Henley Passport Index is often regarded as an indicator of a nation’s diplomatic reach, trade partnerships, and global reputation. A higher ranking typically reflects strong bilateral ties, stable international relationships, and reciprocal visa-waiver agreements.
While India’s improvement is a positive sign, it still trails behind many major economies in terms of travel freedom. Analysts say further progress will depend on new visa-waiver deals, expanded trade and mobility partnerships with developed nations, and continued diplomatic engagement to strengthen India’s global standing.
Recent Random Post:
