India has climbed one position to rank 84th in the October 2026 Henley Passport Index, improving from 85th place in the previous ranking. The country shares its latest position with Algeria and Mauritania, reflecting a modest improvement in its global passport mobility standing.
According to the latest release published on October 9, Indian passport holders can travel to 55 destinations without obtaining a visa before departure. However, this represents a decline from 57 destinations recorded in October 2025, indicating a reduction in visa-free access over the past year.
Singapore leads the October 2026 rankings, with its passport holders enjoying access to 193 destinations without a prior visa. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates jointly occupy second place, offering access to 188 destinations each.
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa in advance. It serves as a benchmark for comparing international travel mobility and the relative ease of travelling across borders.
For Indian travellers, the latest ranking highlights the importance of checking entry requirements before planning an international holiday. Although 55 destinations are accessible without a prior visa, individual countries may still impose conditions relating to permitted stays, return tickets, accommodation bookings or other entry documentation.
Travellers should also distinguish between visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival facilities and electronic travel authorisations, as these involve different requirements. Before departure, Indian passport holders are advised to verify the latest immigration rules with the destination country’s official authorities, as entry conditions and permitted durations can change.