Has the Indian Passport Really Climbed to 75th Rank on the Henley Index?
Synopsis
The recent update from the Henley Passport Index reveals that India's passport has made a significant leap, now ranking 75th globally. This growth from the previous 85th position highlights improved travel access for Indian citizens.
Key Takeaways
Indian passport is now ranked 75th .
Visa-free travel to 56 countries .
Improvement from last year's 85th rank .
Historical highest rank was 71st in 2006.
Singapore is ranked first globally.
New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) The Indian passport has ascended in the global rankings, now holding the 75th position on the recent Henley Passport Index, which evaluates the world's most influential passports. This represents a significant improvement from the previous year, when India was placed at 85th.
This advancement indicates that Indian travelers now experience enhanced international access, with a greater number of countries permitting visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry.
As per the latest statistics, holders of the Indian passport can currently visit 56 countries without the necessity of obtaining a visa beforehand.
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a visa. A higher ranking signifies increased global mobility and simpler travel for citizens.
Despite this recent progress, the long-term performance of India's passport has displayed inconsistencies. While it has improved compared to last year, it has yet to reach its historical peak.
The highest ranking achieved by India was 71st in 2006.
In the years leading up to now, the country dropped to 80th in 2024 and subsequently to 85th, reflecting the restricted travel access prior to this recent recovery.
At the pinnacle of the global rankings, Singapore maintains the number one position, with its passport granting visa-free entry to 192 destinations.
Japan and South Korea share the second rank, each allowing access to 187 countries. Sweden and the United Arab Emirates occupy third place, providing entry to 186 destinations.
Numerous European nations, such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, rank fourth, offering visa-free access to 185 destinations.
Austrian, Greek, Malta, and Portuguese passports follow closely in fifth place, with access to 184 countries.
Other nations with robust passports include Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand, all of which are featured in the top 10 due to their expansive global travel access.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of this advancement in India's passport ranking. Although this improvement is a positive sign for Indian travelers, it's important to remain vigilant about the historical fluctuations in the passport's performance. Continuous efforts are needed to enhance global mobility for our citizens.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current rank of the Indian passport?
The Indian passport currently ranks 75th on the Henley Passport Index.
How many countries can Indian passport holders visit without a visa?
Indian passport holders can travel to 56 countries without needing a visa in advance.
What was India's highest passport ranking?
India's highest-ever ranking was 71st, achieved in 2006.
Which country has the strongest passport according to the index?
Singapore holds the top position, allowing visa-free access to 192 destinations.
What does the Henley Passport Index measure?
It ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a visa.
