India’s Passport Rank Slips to 78th in Henley Index 2026-56 Destinations Accessible

OVERVIEW

India’s passport has been ranked 78th in the Henley Passport Index 2026. This is a drop of three places from its earlier rank of 75th in February 2026. Indian passport holders can now travel to 56 destinations without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival or e-visa. Despite the drop, India’s rank has improved over the long term. In 2021, it was at 90th position. In 2025, it was at 85th. The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It measures how much travel freedom a passport offers.

WHAT IS THE HENLEY PASSPORT INDEX?

The Henley Passport Index is one of the most trusted global rankings of passports. It is published by Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residency advisory firm.

How it works:

• It ranks  199 passports  from around the world.

• The data comes from the  International Air Transport Association (IATA) .

• It measures  visa-free access ,  visa-on-arrival , and  e-visa  access to different destinations.

• A higher rank means greater travel freedom. A lower rank means more visa restrictions.

INDIA’S CURRENT PASSPORT RANKING

Key points:

• India’s rank dropped by  3 places  from 75th to 78th in 2026.

• However, India’s passport has improved significantly from 90th in 2021 to 78th now.

• The drop is a short-term fluctuation, while the long-term trend is upward.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR INDIAN TRAVELLERS?

For most travellers, the impact of this small drop is minimal. Here is what Indian passport holders can expect:

• No major change  in travel access.

• Continued access to  56 countries  through visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa options.

• Examples of popular destinations include Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and many Caribbean islands.

However, compared to top-ranked passports (like Japan, Singapore, Germany), Indian travellers may still face:

• More paperwork and documentation

• Longer visa processing times

• Less flexibility for last-minute travel plans

HOW INDIA COMPARES TO TOP PASSPORTS

The top-ranked passports (e.g., Japan, Singapore, Germany) give access to over 190 destinations visa-free. India at 78th rank with 56 destinations shows there is still a long way to go. But India’s steady improvement over the years is a positive sign.

FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Q1: What is India’s rank in the Henley Passport Index 2026?
A: India is ranked 78th.

Q2: How many destinations can Indian passport holders visit without a visa or with easy visa options?
A: 56 destinations.

Q3: What was India’s rank in February 2026?
A: 75th.

Q4: Which organisation provides the data for the Henley Passport Index?
A: The International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Q5: Has India’s passport rank improved over the long term?
A: Yes. India was ranked 90th in 2021, then 85th in 2025, and now 78th in 2026 – a clear upward trend despite the recent small drop.

EXAM-FOCUSED POINTS

• Index name:  Henley Passport Index

• Publisher:  Henley & Partners

• Data source:  International Air Transport Association (IATA)

• India’s 2026 rank:  78th

• India’s previous rank (Feb 2026):  75th

• Change:  Dropped by 3 places

• Destinations accessible:  56 (visa-free, visa-on-arrival, e-visa)

• India’s rank in 2025:  85th

• India’s lowest rank (2021):  90th

• Long-term trend:  Improving (90 → 85 → 78)

• Total passports ranked:  199

• What the index measures:  Travel freedom (visa-free or visa-on-arrival access)