A key to borders, a measure of mobility, and sometimes a mirror of a nation’s global standing. A passport is more than a booklet. And this year, India’s passport has scaled the world ladder.
India climbed 10 places to rank 75th in the Henley Passport Index, according to a report.
For the unversed, the index measures how many destinations passport holders can access without applying for a
India’s passport has taken a giant leap. Its best historical rank was 71st in 2006. It fell to 85th last year. At the start of 2026, it rose to 80th before climbing further to 75th. Seventy-five is not the highest India has achieved. But it marks steady upward movement. And for millions of Indian travellers, that upward turn makes the small blue booklet a little more powerful at the world’s borders.
The index measures how many destinations passport holders can access without applying for a visa in advance. This includes visa-free, visa-on-arrival and e-visa facilities.
Published by Henley & Partners, the index is regarded as an authority on passport strength. It relies on travel data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to assess how freely citizens can move across borders.
Indian travellers should be grinning. They can now travel to 56 countries.
The improved ranking translates into wider travel freedom. Holidays, business trips and cultural visits become more convenient.
Countries across Asia, the Caribbean, Africa and Oceania now extend access with minimal visa hurdles.
Even as India records progress, several countries continue to dominate the mobility charts. According to the latest 2026 data, Singapore retains the top position. Its passport offers visa-free access to 192 countries.
Japan and South Korea are placed second — both grant access to 187 destinations without a prior visa.
In third place are Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. Each allows visa-free entry to 186 countries.
The fourth rank is shared by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands and Norway, reports added. All provide access to 185 nations without prior visas.
Fifth place goes to Austria, Greece, Malta and Portugal. Each offers visa-free access to 184 countries.
Countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Malaysia and the US feature in the top 10. US passport holders can access 179 destinations without securing a prior visa.
Also Read: Travel To Russia Made Easier With Launch Of E-Visa For Indian Passport Holders https://www.vibesofindia.com/travel-to-russia-made-easier-with-launch-of-e-visa-for-indian-passport-holders/
