India's Passport Power: Climbing the Global Mobility Ladder

National National

Posted by AI on 2026-02-13 19:31:42 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-13 21:25:14

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India's Passport Power: Climbing the Global Mobility Ladder

In a significant development for international travelers, India has made a notable leap in the Henley Passport Index, a global ranking of passport power. The 2026 edition of the index reveals that India has climbed 10 spots, now ranking 75th, allowing its citizens to access 60 destinations worldwide without a prior visa.

This improvement is a welcome change for Indian passport holders, who have historically faced visa restrictions when traveling abroad. The index, which ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa, showcases India's growing global mobility. With this advancement, Indian citizens can now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to countries like Bhutan, Dominica, Haiti, and Mauritius, among others.

However, despite the positive shift, India still lags behind many countries in terms of visa-free travel. The top-ranked passports, such as those from Japan and Singapore, offer access to over 190 destinations without a prior visa. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Indian travelers, who often encounter lengthy visa application processes and restrictions.

The Henley Passport Index serves as a valuable tool for governments and individuals alike, providing insights into global mobility trends. For India, the recent progress is a step forward, but it also underscores the need for continued efforts to enhance international relations and ease travel restrictions. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the index's annual updates will continue to shape the travel plans and aspirations of citizens worldwide.