India has recorded a modest but notable improvement in global travel mobility, with the Indian passport rising to 80th position in the Henley Passport Index 2026, tied with Algeria. The updated ranking grants Indian passport holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations worldwide, reflecting incremental gains in diplomatic outreach and international travel agreements.
India’s rise from 85th position in 2025 underscores slow but steady progress in global mobility, even as significant gaps remain between Indian travelers and citizens of top-ranking nations.
What the Ranking Means for Indian Travelers
The improvement signals growing acceptance of Indian passport holders across select regions, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and island nations. For Indian travelers, visa-free access simplifies travel planning, reduces costs, and enhances opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
However, experts caution that while the rise is encouraging, India still trails far behind the world’s most powerful passports, many of which allow entry to more than three times as many destinations without prior visas.
“India’s upward movement reflects diplomatic momentum, but the country remains constrained by visa barriers across Europe, North America, and parts of East Asia,” said a global mobility analyst based in Dubai. “For Indian citizens, international travel still often requires lengthy documentation and advance approvals.”
With access to 55 destinations, Indian travelers enjoy greater freedom than some regional peers, but major global hubs continue to require visas.
Singapore Retains Top Spot in Global Mobility
At the top of the 2026 rankings, Singapore continues its dominance as the world’s most powerful passport for the third consecutive year. Singaporean passport holders can travel visa-free to 192 out of 227 destinations, reinforcing the city-state’s reputation for strong diplomacy, political stability, and global trust.
Japan and South Korea jointly occupy second place, offering visa-free access to 188 destinations, followed closely by a group of European nations including Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, which rank third with access to 186 destinations.
Fourth place is shared by Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Norway, each offering visa-free entry to 185 destinations.
UAE’s Historic Rise Reshapes the Rankings
One of the most striking developments in the 2026 index is the United Arab Emirates’ historic climb into the global top five. The UAE passport rose five positions to fifth place, now allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations.
The UAE’s ascent is widely attributed to sustained diplomatic engagement, visa liberalization agreements, and strategic international partnerships.
“This rise reflects years of proactive diplomacy and global engagement,” said an international relations expert in Abu Dhabi. “The UAE has transformed passport strength into a strategic asset, boosting business, tourism, and global influence.”
In doing so, the UAE has overtaken traditional mobility leaders such as New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Iceland, and the United States, signaling a broader shift in global power dynamics.
South Asia Shows a Mixed Picture
Across South Asia, passport rankings continue to paint a mixed and uneven picture.
Pakistan moved slightly upward to 98th position, with visa-free access to just 31 destinations, remaining near the bottom of the global rankings alongside Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Bangladesh climbed to 95th place, allowing access to 37 destinations through visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements. Despite the improvement, Bangladeshi passport holders still face substantial global travel restrictions.
India’s position at 80th places it ahead of many regional neighbors, yet far from the mobility enjoyed by citizens of wealthier and politically stable nations.
Global Mobility Gap Continues to Widen
The 2026 index highlights a growing global mobility divide. The gap between the world’s strongest passport (Singapore) and the weakest (Afghanistan) has widened to 168 destinations, emphasizing how access to international travel increasingly mirrors global inequality.
Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, noted that passport strength has become a defining factor in modern opportunity.
“Passport privileges play a crucial role in shaping opportunity, security, and economic participation,” Kaelin said. “Mobility advantages remain heavily concentrated in wealthier, politically stable countries, while citizens of lower-ranked nations face persistent barriers.”
Gradual Progress, Long Road Ahead
For India, the 2026 ranking represents progress rather than transformation. Analysts point out that sustained diplomatic engagement, reciprocal visa policies, and improved global perception will be key to further gains.
“India’s rise is incremental, but it shows that targeted diplomacy works,” said a policy researcher tracking mobility trends. “The challenge now is converting economic and geopolitical influence into broader travel freedom for ordinary citizens.”
As international travel rebounds and geopolitical alliances continue to shift, India’s passport strength will remain a closely watched indicator of its global standing.
