Henley Passport Index 2026: India Ranks 84th
The Henley Passport Index 2026 ranks India 84th among 199 passports, with Indian passport holders able to access 55 destinations without obtaining a prior visa. India shares this position with Algeria and Mauritania.
How the Henley Passport Index Works
The Henley Passport Index compares passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa before departure. It covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The index considers visa-free entry, visa on arrival and eligible Electronic Travel Authorisations (eTAs). Electronic visas requiring prior approval are generally treated as prior visa requirements.
India’s Passport Ranking in 2026
India’s position improved from 85th in 2025 to 84th in 2026, while the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa declined from 57 to 55.
During 2026, India ranked 80th in January, 75th in February, 81st in July and 84th in October. These changes demonstrate that a passport’s rank and its destination-access count are separate measures. A passport may move up or down the ranking even when its access count changes differently.
India shares its 84th position with Algeria and Mauritania.
Top-Ranked Passports in 2026
Singapore ranks first in the supplied 2026 ranking, with access to 193 destinations without a prior visa. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates share second place, with access to 188 destinations each.
The index counts destinations, which may include territories as well as sovereign states. Therefore, destination totals should not automatically be interpreted as the number of independent countries accessible to passport holders.
Why Is Passport Strength Important?
Passport strength reflects the international mobility available to citizens for tourism, business, education and other travel. Greater visa-free access can reduce administrative requirements and make international travel more convenient.
However, the Henley Passport Index measures travel access rather than a country’s overall economic strength or diplomatic influence. Actual entry conditions may also depend on passport validity, the purpose of travel and requirements imposed by destination authorities.
Important Facts for Exams
- Index: Henley Passport Index 2026.
- India’s rank: 84th.
- Destinations accessible without a prior visa: 55.
- Countries sharing India’s rank: Algeria and Mauritania.
- Passports covered: 199.
- Travel destinations covered: 227.
- Data source: International Air Transport Association (IATA).
- Top-ranked passport: Singapore, with access to 193 destinations.
- Second position: Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, with access to 188 destinations each.
