India has climbed one place in the latest Henley Passport Index, moving from 85th in October 2025 to 84th in October 2026. However, the improvement in rank comes alongside a decline in the number of destinations Indian passport holders can visit without obtaining a visa in advance. According to the latest ranking, published on October 9, Indian passport holders have visa-free access to 55 destinations, down from 57 in October 2025. India shares the 84th position with Algeria and Mauritania. Scroll down to know more.
Visa-Free Destinations For Indian Passport Holders
Singapore tops the October 2026 index, with its passport holders able to access 193 destinations without securing a visa in advance. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates share second place, with access to 188 destinations each. Indian passport holders can currently travel to 55 destinations without obtaining a visa before departure, according to the latest index. These include Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Fiji, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, The Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu and Zimbabwe.
The complete list also includes destinations such as the British Virgin Islands, Comoro Islands, Dominica, Ethiopia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Sierra Leone, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Timor-Leste and Tuvalu.
Travellers should check the latest entry requirements before booking, as visa-free access conditions can change. Some destinations may also require documents such as proof of accommodation, return tickets or evidence of sufficient funds.
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How India Has Performed In The 2026 Passport Rankings
India’s position has fluctuated throughout 2026. It ranked 80th in January, climbed to 75th in February and slipped to 81st in July before reaching 84th in the October edition. At the bottom of the latest ranking is Afghanistan, which occupies 106th place and offers access to just 22 destinations without a visa in advance.
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The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa before travelling. The index covers 227 destinations worldwide and uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
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FAQs
Which 57 countries are visa free for Indian passports?
Indian passport holders have visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorisation (ETA) access to 57 destinations worldwide (according to index tracking reports by the Henley Passport Index).
How can you apply for Indian passport?
You can apply for or manage your travel document via the Passport Seva Portal.
How strong is an Indian passport?
The Indian passport ranks 75th globally on the Henley Passport Index, giving holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 56 to 57 destinations.
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First Published: October 15, 2026 7:35 PM
