The latest rankings, released on July 21, place India alongside Algeria and Mauritania, with passport holders enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations.<\/p>\n
\nIndia’s ranking declines<\/strong> The latest ranking also reflects a slight reduction in travel access. While Indian passport holders could travel to 56 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance in February, the latest edition lists 55 destinations.<\/p>\n How the Henley Passport Index works<\/strong><\/p>\n \nThe Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The rankings are compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and cover 227 travel destinations worldwide.<\/p>\n This year’s edition marks the 20th anniversary of the index. Meanwhile, the average number of destinations accessible without a prior visa has nearly doubled over the past two decades, rising from 58 in 2006 to 108 in 2026.<\/p>\n Singapore remains on top<\/strong><\/p>\n Singapore retained its position as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates jointly occupied the second position, with access to 188 destinations.<\/p>\n The UAE was the biggest mover in the latest rankings, climbing three places since January. Sweden ranked third with access to 187 destinations, while the United States slipped to 10th place, with visa-free access to 180 destinations.<\/p>\n India’s passport ranking over the years<\/strong> India’s passport ranking has fluctuated considerably over the past two decades. It ranked 71st in 2006 before slipping to 90th in 2021, its lowest position during the period. The country improved to 80th in 2024, dropped to 85th in 2025, briefly rose to 75th earlier this year, and now stands at 81st in the latest edition.<\/p>\n
India had started 2026 at 85th place before climbing to 75th in the February edition, its highest ranking in recent years. However, the upward momentum was short-lived. The country slipped to 78th in May and has now dropped three more places to 81st.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/images.cnbctv18.com\/uploads\/2026\/07\/henley-2026-07-d1d3f3288e82c0ad6a34a294e3f94056.jpg?im=Resize,width=640,height=360,aspect=fit,type=normal\")
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