If you're a travel enthusiast, there's some exciting news for you. The power of the Indian passport has increased significantly around the world. According to the latest report from the 'Henley Passport Index 2026', the Indian passport has made an impressive leap globally. India has climbed 10 spots to reach the 75th position. This directly means that exploring the world has become noticeably easier for Indians. No longer will you need to run around weeks in advance for visas for many destinations.
The primary beneficiaries of this new passport ranking are Indian travelers. You can now explore 56 countries with ease, either without the need for a visa or with the benefit of visa-on-arrival and e-visa facilities upon entry. Whether you dream of relaxing on Caribbean beaches, or embarking on journeys through the picturesque landscapes of Africa and Asia, your Indian passport will make your travel smoother than ever.
How Is Passport Strength Determined?
The 'Henley Passport Index' is globally recognized as the most trusted measure of passport power. This index uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to determine how easily a country's citizens can travel internationally. The better the ranking, the more freedom that nation’s citizens have to enter other countries.
World’s Most Powerful Passports: Who's Number One?
Despite India’s remarkable progress, many countries still hold the top spots in terms of travel freedom worldwide. Once again, Singapore claims the top position, with its citizens able to enter 192 countries without a visa. Japan and South Korea share the second place, with visa-free travel to 187 countries on their passports.
Sweden and the UAE claim the third position, allowing their citizens easy access to 186 countries. The fourth spot features a remarkable dominance of European countries, with 12 nations including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Norway, all providing their citizens entry to 185 countries without a visa. Right behind them, on the fifth spot, are Austria, Greece, Malta, and Portugal, offering visa-free access to 184 countries.
Furthermore, globally influential countries occupy positions six to ten. These include New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, and the United States. Specifically, the American passport allows its citizens to travel to 179 countries without needing a prior visa.
Why Does This Ranking Matter for India?
Over the past decade, India has experienced significant fluctuations in its passport rankings. Last year, India had dropped to the 85th place. However, early 2026 has brought a notable improvement. Although the 75th position isn’t a record-breaking achievement as India ranked 71st in 2006, the rise by 10 ranks is a very positive sign. It indicates that the world is ready to welcome Indian citizens with open arms.
