Indian passport climbs 5 spots to 80th in Henley Index, gains access to 55 nations
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New Delhi: India's passport has surged five places in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, now ranking 80th alongside Algeria and Niger. Indian travelers now enjoy visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or eTA access to 55 destinations, primarily in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and island nations.
Singapore leads with access to 192 countries, followed by Japan (188) and South Korea. European passports dominate the top 10, each offering over 180 destinations. The US has re-entered the top 10 despite recent declines, while Afghanistan ranks last with just 24 accessible destinations.
The UAE stands out as the biggest gainer over 20 years, climbing 57 spots to fifth with 184 destinations, thanks to diplomatic efforts. China ranks 59th with 81 destinations. Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Henley & Partners Chairman, noted uneven global mobility gains: "Passport privilege plays a decisive role in shaping opportunity, security, and economic participation, with rising average access masking a reality in which mobility advantages are increasingly concentrated among the world’s most economically powerful and politically stable nations."
Despite the improvement, Indians still need advance visas for most of Europe, the UK, US, Canada, and much of East Asia.
Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland share third place (186 destinations), while ten European nations tie for fourth.
(Inputs from IANS)