World · India Bureau
India climbs passport ranking despite loss of visa-free access
India has improved its standing in the global Henley Passport Index to 84th place as of October 2026, though Indian passport holders have lost visa-free access to two destinations compared to the previous year.
LSN India ·
India's passport ranking has strengthened in the latest Henley Passport Index assessment, reflecting modest progress in the country's international travel standings. The October 2026 index places India at 84th position, indicating marginal gains in the annual rankings that track passport strength across nations worldwide.
However, the improvement in ranking comes alongside a contraction in practical travel benefits for Indian citizens. Visa-free access for Indian passport holders has declined to 55 destinations from 57 locations available a year earlier, representing a net loss of two countries offering visa-free entry.
The Henley Passport Index measures passport strength based on the number of destinations accessible to holders without a prior visa requirement. The rankings serve as a key indicator of a nation's international relations and the ease of movement for its citizens across borders.
The contradictory movement—ranking improvement alongside reduced visa-free access—underscores the complex dynamics of international travel policies. Changes in bilateral agreements, immigration policies, and geopolitical considerations regularly influence visa-free access arrangements between nations, even as broader passport strength rankings may shift based on comparative global trends.