Henley Passport Index 2026: Which countries can Indians visit visa-free?
The Indian passport has climbed 10 spots to reach 75th position in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, allowing Indian citizens to travel to 56 countries without requiring a prior visa. This is a significant improvement from its 85th rank in 2025 and reflects a steady rise over the past few years, after ranking 84th in 2023 and 80th in 2024. India’s lowest ranking came in 2021, when it stood at 90th.
Singapore retains the top spot in the 2026 Index with visa-free access to 192 countries, followed by Japan (187) and South Korea (186). At the other end, Afghanistan remains the lowest-ranked passport with access to just 24 destinations without a prior visa.
Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free or obtain visa-on-arrival to 56 countries, Countries Indians can visit visa-free or with visa-on-arrival:
Indian passport holders now enjoy travel without a pre-arrival visa to 56 countries across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Oceania. Key destinations include:
- Asia: Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Macao (SAR China), Myanmar, Laos
- Africa: Angola, Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, The Gambia, Comoro Islands, Cape Verde
- Oceania: Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
- Caribbean & Americas: Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago
- Middle East: Jordan, Qatar
How the Henley Passport Index works:
The Index ranks 199 passports based on access to 227 global destinations, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Each destination scores 1 if entry is visa-free, available on arrival, or accessible via an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). Destinations requiring prior visas or government approval score 0. A lower rank indicates greater global mobility.
The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports based on access to 227 global destinations using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Each destination receives a score of 1 if no visa is required, if a visa is available on arrival, or if an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) can be obtained. Destinations requiring prior visas or government approval score 0.
India’s improved ranking enhances travel opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange, reflecting growing international mobility for its citizens.