Indian passport holders have a reason to feel cautiously optimistic in 2026. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, India’s passport has registered an improvement in global rankings, signalling a gradual rise in international mobility for Indian travellers. However, beneath the headline gain lies a more nuanced reality that travellers must keep in mind while planning overseas journeys.

The Henley Passport Index 2026 has placed India at the 80th position, a jump of five ranks from last year’s 85th spot. The index, which ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, reflects how freely citizens of a country can travel across borders. In practical terms, Indian passport holders can now access 55 destinations without securing a visa in advance. This includes countries offering visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

The upward movement suggests incremental progress in India’s global travel standing, driven partly by diplomatic engagements, bilateral agreements, and the growing international presence of Indian travellers. For frequent flyers and first-time international tourists alike, this translates into slightly more flexibility and reduced paperwork for select destinations.

However, the improvement in ranking does not tell the full story. Despite climbing the index, the number of destinations offering hassle-free access to Indian passport holders remains limited compared to many other countries. In fact, while the rank has improved, access to key regions such as Europe’s Schengen Area, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several East Asian nations continues to require traditional visas, often involving lengthy processing times, extensive documentation, and high costs.

This contrast highlights an important point: rankings can improve even when overall access remains constrained. The Henley Index is relative in nature, meaning India’s rise may also reflect changes in other countries’ visa policies rather than a dramatic expansion of visa-free access for Indians.

For Indian travellers, the list of accessible destinations is still dominated by countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of the Middle East. While these destinations offer rich cultural and travel experiences, many popular business, education, and tourism hubs remain out of easy reach without prior approvals.

Travel industry experts say the ranking improvement is symbolically significant but should not be overstated. “A higher rank improves perception, but on the ground, Indian travellers still need to plan well in advance for most long-haul or premium destinations,” said a senior travel consultant based in Delhi. He added that visa rejections, appointment delays, and rising visa fees continue to be common concerns.

At the same time, the gradual rise reflects India’s growing global footprint. As one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and a key player in international diplomacy, India has been actively engaging with countries to simplify travel frameworks. Industry observers believe that sustained diplomatic efforts, along with reciprocal visa arrangements, could further enhance passport strength in the coming years.

For now, Indian passport holders can take heart in the positive movement, while remaining realistic. The 2026 ranking underscores progress, but also serves as a reminder that global mobility for Indians is still a work in progress, one that requires both policy-level negotiations and patient travel planning.

As international travel rebounds and geopolitical equations evolve, the Indian passport’s journey up the global ladder is likely to continue, albeit gradually.