India Rises to 75th in Global Passport Index

In 2026, India has marked a notable rise in its global passport standing, climbing to 75th place in the latest Henley Passport Index. While this signals growing travel freedom, the picture is nuanced: Indian travellers now enjoy visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorisation access to 56 destinations, a slight decline from 57 the previous year. This shift underscores how global mobility is increasingly shaped by policy changes and geopolitical factors.

Visa Policy Changes Affect Access

The primary reasons behind the modest reduction in visa-free access stem from policy adjustments by Iran and Bolivia. In November 2025, Iran withdrew visa-free entry for Indian passport holders following reports of fraud and trafficking incidents. Certain individuals had allegedly been lured to Iran under visa waiver schemes and subsequently subjected to kidnapping and ransom demands. Consequently, Indian travellers must now secure a visa prior to departure, effectively removing Iran from the visa-free category.

Bolivia has also introduced changes. Previously, Indian visitors could obtain visas on arrival, but in 2026, the country shifted to a prior-approval e-visa system. This requirement for advance authorisation means that Bolivia no longer qualifies as visa-free under the index’s methodology. Despite these setbacks, India’s overall ranking improved, highlighting the comparative nature of the index where shifts in other countries’ visa agreements can impact standings.

What the Henley Passport Index Shows

The Henley Passport Index evaluates 199 passports against 227 destinations, with each passport earning points for access without pre-arranged visas. India’s rise in the ranking this year was aided by the addition of The Gambia to its visa-free list, increasing the total accessible destinations to 56. Experts note that this improvement is more a reflection of relative changes in global mobility than a dramatic expansion of travel freedom for Indian passport holders.

Implications for Indian Travellers

For Indian travellers, the update presents a mixed picture. While the passport’s global position has strengthened, real-world access has remained largely stable. The evolving visa policies reflect broader considerations, including diplomatic relations, security concerns, and international regulatory shifts. Travel enthusiasts are advised to remain vigilant, checking the latest entry requirements before planning international journeys.

Broader Impact on Travel and Mobility

The shift in visa-free access not only affects individual travellers but also has wider implications for tourism and international business. Reduced ease of entry into certain countries can influence travel patterns, with Indian tourists potentially reconsidering destinations that now require prior visas. Similarly, professionals and entrepreneurs exploring global opportunities may need to factor in extra planning and processing time. This highlights the interconnected nature of passport strength, global mobility, and economic engagement, showing that even minor changes in access can have ripple effects across travel and commerce.

This development highlights the subtle dynamics of global travel trends. Countries frequently update entry requirements to address security, tourism management, and diplomatic priorities. Indian travellers now face a slightly more cautious travel landscape, where planning ahead and understanding visa protocols is more important than ever.

The incremental rise in India’s passport ranking suggests a gradual strengthening of its global standing. As nations negotiate new visa agreements and revisit existing policies, Indian citizens can anticipate a slowly evolving, yet increasingly strategic, approach to international mobility. Staying informed on updates from official sources remains essential to navigate the changing landscape efficiently.