The October 2026 Henley Passport Index places India 84th among 199 passports, with Indian passport holders able to access 55 destinations without obtaining a prior visa. India shares the position with Algeria and Mauritania.
How the Henley Passport Index Works
The Henley Passport Index compares passports by the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa obtained before departure. It covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations. The index uses exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), whose travel information records entry requirements for destinations.
Access counted by the index includes visa-free entry, visa on arrival, visitor permits and electronic travel authorisation where these do not require prior visa approval. An electronic visa requiring approval before travel is generally treated as a prior visa requirement.
India’s Ranking and Visa Access
India rose one place from 85th in October 2025 to 84th in October 2026, while its number of destinations accessible without a prior visa fell from 57 to 55. During 2026, India ranked 80th in January, 75th in February, 81st in July and 84th in October.
The index ranks passports by destination access, rather than by the number of countries issuing passports or the total number of international travellers. A shared rank means that passports have the same position in the ranking; India, Algeria and Mauritania share 84th place in October 2026.
Top Passport Rankings in October 2026
Singapore ranks first, with access to 193 destinations without a prior visa. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates share second place, with access to 188 destinations each. These figures count destinations, which may include territories as well as sovereign states.
Important Facts for Exams
:
- The Henley Passport Index uses data from the International Air Transport Association.
- The October 2026 index compares 199 passports against 227 travel destinations.
- Singapore ranks first in October 2026, with access to 193 destinations.
- India shares 84th place with Algeria and Mauritania in October 2026.
Visa Categories and Travel Documents
A visa is an authorisation granted by a destination country for entry, transit or a specified stay. Visa on arrival is issued after a traveller reaches an eligible entry point, whereas an electronic travel authorisation is obtained online before travel and is distinct from a visa requiring prior approval.
The Henley Passport Index ranking and the destination-access count are separate measures: a passport’s rank can change even when its access count moves in the opposite direction.
