Indians can now travel to 56 destinations without prior visa as passport ranking improves
By Cygnus | 13 Feb 2026
Summary
India’s passport has risen to 75th position in the latest Henley Passport Index, up from 85th last year. Indian passport holders can now access 56 destinations worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance — through visa-free entry, visa on arrival (VOA), or electronic travel authorisation (ETA) systems. While the improvement reflects gradual gains in global mobility, major advanced economies still require prior visas.
NEW DELHI, Feb 14 — India has climbed ten places to rank 75th in the latest Henley Passport Index, expanding travel access for Indian citizens.
According to Henley & Partners, Indian passport holders can now travel to 56 destinations without securing a visa before departure. Access includes visa-free entry, visa on arrival, and electronic travel authorisation mechanisms.
Despite the improvement, India remains below its historic high ranking of 71st, recorded in 2006.
What the Henley Passport Index measures
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa in advance. The ranking is compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and reflects visa-free, visa-on-arrival and ETA arrangements.
The index measures overall mobility access, not visa duration, work rights or long-term residency eligibility.
Regional spread of access
The 56 accessible destinations are primarily concentrated across:
- South and Southeast Asia
- Africa
- The Caribbean
- Pacific island nations
Many of these destinations offer visa-on-arrival or electronic entry systems aimed at facilitating tourism and short-term business visits.
However, Indian passport holders continue to require advance visas for key developed markets, including:
- United States
- Schengen-area European Union countries
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
Access to these high-income economies remains a significant limitation in India’s global mobility profile.
What this means for travellers
The improved ranking provides:
- Greater flexibility for leisure travel
- Easier short-term regional business mobility
- Reduced paperwork for select emerging markets
- Expanded spontaneous travel options
However, travellers must still meet entry conditions such as passport validity requirements, return tickets, proof of funds and maximum stay limits.
Why this matters
Passport strength increasingly influences:
- Cross-border business expansion
- Startup and investor mobility
- Academic exchange programmes
- Tourism flows
- Global talent movement
As India strengthens trade relationships and diplomatic ties, bilateral visa agreements and reciprocal access arrangements could play a larger role in shaping future mobility gains.
FAQs
Q1: What is India’s current passport ranking?
India ranks 75th in the latest Henley Passport Index.
Q2: How many destinations can Indians visit without prior visa?
Indian passport holders can access 56 destinations through visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or ETA systems.
Q3: Is this India’s highest ranking ever?
No. India’s highest ranking was 71st in 2006.
Q4: Does visa-free mean no documentation is required?
No. Entry conditions such as passport validity, onward travel tickets and stay limits still apply.
Q5: Are major Western countries included?
No. Indian travellers still require advance visas for the United States, United Kingdom, Schengen-area countries, Canada and Australia.
