Travelling abroad may have just become a little easier for Indian citizens. According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, India has climbed five places to rank 80th, marking a modest but notable improvement in global travel access for Indian passport holders.
With this rise, Indians now have visa-free, visa-on-arrival or electronic travel authorisation access to 55 countries. While the jump does not radically change where Indians can travel, it reflects a steady expansion of mobility over the past year.
Where can Indians travel more easily?
The updated list includes destinations across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and island nations in Oceania. Neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan continue to allow easy entry, while tourist favourites like the Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand and Malaysia remain accessible with minimal visa formalities. Several Caribbean nations, along with countries in Africa and the Pacific region, also offer simplified entry to Indian travellers.
For many Indian tourists, these destinations are popular choices for short international breaks, honeymoons and budget-friendly overseas trips.
Still far from the top
Despite the improvement, India’s passport remains significantly weaker than the world’s strongest. Singapore tops the index, followed by Japan and South Korea, whose citizens can travel visa-free to more than 180 destinations. In comparison, Indian travellers still need advance visas for major regions such as Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.
Why the ranking matters
The Henley Passport Index is widely seen as a reflection of a country’s diplomatic ties, economic influence and international standing. Easier travel benefits not just tourists, but also students, professionals and businesses looking to explore opportunities abroad.
India’s upward movement may be gradual, but it signals progress. As more countries look to boost tourism and strengthen bilateral ties, travel access for Indians has improved in pockets rather than through sweeping changes.
For now, the five-rank climb offers cautious optimism — a reminder that while global mobility for Indian citizens still has a long way to go, the direction is slowly turning positive.
