India’s Passport Rises to 75th in Henley Index 2026, Visa-Free Access Drops to 56 Countries

India’s global travel mobility received a mixed update in 2026. The Henley Passport Index reported that India’s passport ranking improved significantly, rising from 85th in 2025 to 75th in 2026 a 10-place jump. This reflects stronger diplomatic engagement and expanding travel partnerships.

Yet, despite the ranking boost, Indian passport holders lost visa-free entry to two countries: Iran and Bolivia. Iran suspended visa-free access in late 2025 following concerns over misuse of travel privileges, while Bolivia tightened entry requirements for Indian nationals. As a result, India’s visa-free destinations decreased slightly, from 57 to 56.

Key Highlights

• Ranking Leap: India’s passport rose from 85th in 2025 to 75th in 2026.
• Visa-Free Destinations: Reduced from 57 to 56 countries.
• Countries Lost: Iran (Middle East) and Bolivia (South America).
• Reasoning: Iran cited misuse of visa-free entry; Bolivia introduced stricter entry rules.
• Global Context: Despite setbacks, India’s ranking jump signals stronger international mobility.

Sources: Deccan Chronicle, Dynamite News, CNBC TV18, News18