Henley Passport Index 2026: Ranking, Visa-Free Access, and Global Mobility Trends

The Henley Passport Index 2026 highlights global mobility trends by ranking passports based on the number of destinations citizens can visit without prior visa approval. In 2026, India improved its position significantly, moving up 10 places globally, even though it experienced a slight reduction in visa-free destinations.

The index is widely considered a benchmark indicator of global mobility, diplomatic strength, and international trust between nations.

What is the Henley Passport Index?

The Henley & Partners Passport Index is a global ranking of passports based on travel freedom.

Methodology

The index is compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and evaluates:

• 199 passports worldwide

• 227 global destinations

What Counts in the Index?

The index assigns scores based on destinations allowing:

• Visa-free travel

• Visa on arrival

• Basic electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

Destinations requiring advance visa approval are not counted.

India in Henley Passport Index 2026

Key Highlights

• Rank (2026): 75th

• Rank (2025): 85th

• Improvement: +10 ranks

• Visa-Free / Easy Access Destinations: 56 countries

Despite the rank improvement, India lost access to one destination compared to last year due to global visa policy adjustments.

Why India Lost Some Visa-Free Access?

Two major policy changes affected India’s travel access:

1. Visa Policy Change by Iran

**Iran suspended visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passport holders in late 2025 due to fraud and trafficking concerns. Travellers now require pre-approved visas.

2. Visa Rule Change by Bolivia

**Bolivia shifted Indian travellers from visa-on-arrival to prior approval e-visa. Since advance authorisation is required, it is no longer counted under visa-free mobility in the index.

Global Top Passports in 2026

World’s Most Powerful Passports

1. Singapore – 192 destinations

2. Japan, South Korea – 187 destinations

3. Sweden, UAE – 186 destinations

Singapore continues to dominate due to strong diplomatic relations, high trust levels, and global economic integration.

Global Mobility Trends in 2026

Key Observations

• Asian passports are gaining strength globally

• European and Nordic countries maintain strong positions

• Traditional leaders like the US and UK are no longer consistently at the top

• Mobility is increasingly linked to economic strength and migration trust

India vs Neighbouring Countries

In South Asia and surrounding regions:

• Maldives performs strongest regionally

• China remains ahead of India

• India is ahead of most South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan

This shows India’s improving but still developing global mobility position.

Why Passport Strength Matters

Passport strength reflects more than travel convenience. It indicates:

1. Foreign Policy Strength

Stronger diplomatic ties lead to easier travel agreements.

2. Economic Trust

Stable economies usually get better travel access.

3. Security Reputation

Lower illegal migration risk improves visa policies.

4. Soft Power Influence

Countries with strong global cultural and economic presence gain mobility advantages.

Why Rank Can Improve Even If Visa-Free Access Falls

The index is based on relative global comparison. If other countries lose access faster or more significantly, a country’s rank can improve even with minor losses in visa-free destinations.

This explains why India moved up 10 ranks despite losing one visa-free destination.

Future Outlook for India’s Passport Strength

India can further improve global mobility through:

• Bilateral travel and labour mobility agreements

• Stronger engagement with EU and OECD countries

• Skilled migration partnerships

• Enhanced global compliance and travel security frameworks

If these continue, India could potentially move into the Top 50 passports in the next decade.

Sharing is caring!