India’s passport ranking stands at 80th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, giving Indian passport holders access to 56 destinations without obtaining a traditional visa before travel.
The ranking, current as of Friday, July 3, 2026, places India alongside Mauritania and Senegal. Henley’s index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations and is updated monthly using International Air Transport Association data.
India Passport Ranking 2026: What the Score Means
The score of 56 includes destinations that permit visa-free entry, visas on arrival or electronic travel authorization rather than requiring travelers to secure a conventional visa in advance.
Access conditions vary by destination. Some countries require online registration, proof of accommodation, return tickets, sufficient funds or payment of an arrival fee. Indian travelers should confirm the latest requirements with the destination’s embassy or immigration authority before booking. India’s Ministry of External Affairs also advises travelers to independently verify entry conditions.
Indian passport holders still need advance visas for major destinations including the United States, the United Kingdom and much of Europe.
Why India Can Fall Without Losing Access
Passport rankings are relative. India can move down even if its mobility score remains unchanged when other countries secure additional visa-waiver agreements and move ahead.
The ranking comes as India has revised passport application fees effective Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs also recently said that a passport is primarily a travel document and should not be treated by itself as conclusive proof of citizenship, prompting public debate.
Singapore began 2026 in first place with access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea were tied for second with access to 188 destinations, while the United Arab Emirates ranked fifth.
India’s position matters because passport access affects the cost, planning and flexibility of international travel. Future gains would largely depend on additional visa-waiver agreements and reciprocal travel arrangements.
