India has moved up to 84th place in the October 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index, improving on its 85th-place finish a year earlier. It shares the rank with Algeria and Mauritania in an index that compares 199 passports across 227 destinations.
The number of visa-free destinations tells a slightly different story. Indian passport holders can now travel to 55 destinations without applying for a visa in advance, down from 57 last year. A passport’s rank and its actual reach don’t always move together, and October’s index is a good example.
Key Highlights of the October 2026 Ranking
- India has moved up one place to 84th in the October 2026 Henley Passport Index.
- India shares the 84th position with Algeria and Mauritania.
- Indian passport holders can now visit 55 destinations without a prior visa, compared with 57 in October 2025.
Compiled by Henley & Partners, the index ranks 199 passports by the number of destinations their holders can enter without arranging a visa in advance. It covers 227 destinations and uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
India’s improved position is a welcome step, and the visa-free count offers a useful picture of how far Indian travellers can go without advance paperwork.
55 Destinations Indian Passport Holders Can Access in 2026
The 55 destinations accessible to Indian citizens without requiring a visa prior to departure include a mix of popular tourist spots, regional neighbours, and island territories offering visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival (VoA), or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
The 55 destinations open to Indian passport holders in the October 2026 index are listed below:
- Angola
- Barbados
- Bhutan
- British Virgin Islands
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Comoro Islands
- Costa Rica
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Grenada
- Guinea-Bissau
- Haiti
- Indonesia
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Laos
- Macao (SAR China)
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Micronesia
- Mongolia
- Montserrat
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Niue
- Palau Islands
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- Samoa
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Sri Lanka
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- The Gambia
- Timor-Leste
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Zimbabwe
Which Passports Rank Highest in 2026?
Singapore leads the October 2026 index, offering access to 193 destinations without a visa in advance. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates share second place, with access to 188 destinations each.
The ranking is a useful benchmark, but it does not replace checking entry rules. Visa policies can change at short notice, so travellers should confirm requirements with the official immigration portal or the embassy of their destination before booking flights and accommodation.
The index is also updated throughout the year, so India’s position and score may shift again in future editions.
Where to Go Next: Top Picks From the List for Indian Travellers
Planning your next international trip? The list of 55 destinations includes some of the most popular getaways for Indian travellers, from beach islands to mountain kingdoms. Here are ten worth considering.
- Bhutan: A Himalayan kingdom known for its monasteries, mountain scenery and a strong focus on sustainable tourism.
- Indonesia: Home to Bali’s beaches, rice terraces and temples, along with volcanoes and diving spots across thousands of islands.
- Malaysia: A mix of city life in Kuala Lumpur, island escapes like Langkawi and a food scene that draws visitors back.
- Maldives: Overwater villas, clear lagoons and coral reefs make it a favourite for honeymoons and relaxed island breaks.
- Mauritius: An Indian Ocean island with white-sand beaches, waterfalls and a blend of cultures.
- Nepal: A natural pick for trekkers, with Himalayan trails, Kathmandu’s old temples and a short journey from India.
- Seychelles: Granite boulders, quiet beaches and nature reserves in a small island nation.
- Sri Lanka: Tea country, wildlife parks, ancient ruins and coastline packed into a compact island.
- Thailand: Bangkok’s street food and temples, Phuket’s beaches and Chiang Mai’s culture, all in one trip.
Tips Before You Book an International Trip
- Confirm the entry type: The index counts visa-free entry, visa on arrival and electronic travel authorisation together, so check which one applies to your destination.
- Check passport validity: Many countries ask for a passport valid for several months beyond your stay, so look at the exact requirement before you book.
- Keep documents handy: Carry return or onward tickets and hotel bookings, as immigration officers may ask for them.
- Use official sources: Visit the destination’s immigration website or embassy page for the latest rules, since policies can change at short notice.
- Consider travel insurance: It can help with medical costs and trip disruptions abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of October 2026, Indian passport holders can access 55 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bhutan, Nepal, the Maldives, Mauritius, Fiji, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
In the October 2026 Henley Passport Index, the Indian passport ranks 84th, improving by one spot from 85th place in 2025.
India shares the 84th position with Algeria and Mauritania.
The October 2026 Henley Passport Index shows India climbing one spot to 84th place, a position shared with Algeria and Mauritania, even as its visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry tally slightly decreased from 57 to 55 destinations.
Yes, both Thailand and Malaysia are included in the list of 55 destinations accessible to Indian passport holders without applying for a visa in advance.
The Henley Passport Index is updated continuously throughout the year as diplomatic and visa policy changes take effect globally.
Not always. The index counts visa-free entry, visa on arrival and electronic travel authorisation together. Standard e-visas and visas needing prior approval are not counted.
