India has recorded a modest but notable improvement in global passport strength, with the Indian passport climbing five places to secure the 80th position in the Henley Passport Index 2026. As per the latest rankings, Indian citizens can now travel to 55 countries and territories either without a visa or by obtaining a visa on arrival.

The ranking marks progress compared to 2025, when India stood at 85th place, although that year offered access to 57 destinations. In 2024, the Indian passport had also been ranked 80th, indicating a partial recovery after last year’s dip. In the current index, India shares the 80th spot with Niger and Algeria.

Asian countries continue to dominate the top of the global mobility chart. Singapore has retained its position as the world’s strongest passport, granting its citizens visa-free entry to 192 out of 227 destinations tracked by the index. Japan and South Korea jointly occupy the second position, with access to 188 destinations.

Several European nations—Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain and Luxembourg—are tied in third place, each allowing visa-free travel to 186 destinations.

The Henley Passport Index assesses 199 passports worldwide, measuring their strength based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa. The rankings are compiled using data sourced exclusively from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Among the notable movers this year is the United Arab Emirates, which climbed five positions to reach fifth place. Over the past two decades, the UAE has emerged as the fastest-rising passport globally, gaining visa-free access to 149 destinations since 2006 and jumping 57 ranks overall.

The United States, which slipped out of the top 10 last year and fell to 12th place, has made a comeback into the top tier, securing the 10th position in the latest rankings.

At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, ranked 101st with access to just 24 destinations. Pakistan is also near the bottom, placed at 98th.