The strength of the Indian passport has seen a significant decline over the past two decades, reaching its current position of 81st globally in the July 2026 update of the Henley Passport Index. Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations worldwide.
The year 2026 has been particularly volatile for the Indian passport ranking. It began the year at 80th in January, briefly climbed to 75th in February, but has since slipped, touching 80th again in June before settling at its current 81st position this month.
Two Decades of Shifting Power
The July update coincides with the 20th anniversary edition of the Henley Passport Index, providing a retrospective look at global passport power shifts since 2006. For India, the trend indicates an overall weakening: from 71st in 2006, the passport reached its lowest point at 91st in 2021. While it has recovered some ground, it has not returned to its earlier strength.
Globally, the picture is different. In 2006, the average passport offered visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 58 destinations. Today, that figure has nearly doubled to 108, underscoring a significant expansion in international mobility over the past 20 years.
Global Mobility Leaders
The world's most powerful passports in 2006, including those from the United States, Denmark, and Finland, granted access to 130 destinations without a prior visa. Fast forward to today, Singapore leads the rankings, with its passport opening doors to an impressive 192 destinations. The United Arab Emirates, Japan, and South Korea share the second spot, each providing access to 188 destinations.
The top tier of the index has also become more competitive. In 2006, 26 passports featured in the top 10. That number has expanded to 38, reflecting stronger diplomatic ties and bilateral visa agreements among many nations. Notably, the U.S., which held the top position in 2006, now ranks 10th, while the UK has moved from 3rd to 6th. Afghanistan continues to occupy the lowest position on the index.
How the Index is Calculated
The Henley Passport Index meticulously compares 199 passports across 227 travel destinations. It utilizes data compiled by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is updated monthly to reflect changes in visa policies driven by diplomatic agreements and governmental decisions. The index measures access that includes visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival arrangements, and e-visas.