India’s passport has inched upward in the latest global mobility assessment, moving five places higher in the 2026 Henley Passport Index. Indian travellers can now enter 55 countries without a prior visa or by obtaining one on arrival, placing the country at the 80th position worldwide alongside Niger and Algeria.

India Recovers Lost Ground, Gap With Top Passports Persists

The improvement follows a dip last year, when India stood at 85th. While the ranking shows gradual progress, it also highlights the gap that remains between India and countries offering wider travel freedom. In 2024, India had briefly touched the same rank before slipping again.

Asian nations continue to set the global benchmark. Singapore retained its long-held lead, allowing its citizens visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea followed closely in second place, each offering entry to 188 countries without advance paperwork.

Europe maintained its strong showing, with Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Luxembourg clustered in third place, granting access to 186 destinations. Several other European states occupied the next two tiers, reflecting their extensive diplomatic networks.

One of the biggest success stories remains the United Arab Emirates. Now ranked fifth, the UAE has climbed 57 places since 2006, gaining access to 149 additional destinations the strongest long-term rise recorded by the index.

Meanwhile, the United States returned to the top 10 after slipping last year. At the lower end, Afghanistan ranked last, while Pakistan remained among the bottom three.

The Henley Passport Index, based on International Air Transport Association (IATA) data, evaluates 199 passports across 227 destinations and is widely seen as a measure of global trust, diplomacy and mobility.