The latest 2026 Henley Passport Index update brings mixed news for Indian travelers, making it one of the key Latest News in India related to global travel. While India’s passport ranking has improved, climbing to the 80th position globally, the actual number of countries offering Visa-Free Access has slightly decreased. By January 2026, Indian citizens will be able to make five fewer travel destinations without a pre-booked visa, as compared with the earlier number of 57. This shift highlights a unique paradox in Global Mobility where India’s relative rank rose because other nations faced steeper declines, even as specific travel privileges for Indians were adjusted due to changing diplomatic policies.
Changes in Visa-Free Access and New Rules
The current restriction of 55 destinations results from recent policy changes that different countries implemented, particularly in Iran and Bolivia. Iran suspended its visa-waiver program, which allowed Indian citizens to travel without visas, while Bolivia established a compulsory electronic visa system. However, it’s not all bad news; popular destinations continue to court Indian tourists. Thailand and Malaysia and Sri Lanka have either maintained their visa-free programs or extended them to attract more visitors. Kazakhstan has entered the travel market by providing simpler entry procedures, which now allow Indian travelers to visit its country, thus expanding travel options.
Henley Passport Index and Future Outlook
The Henley Passport Index serves as the official benchmark for assessing international travel rights. India’s advancement to the 80th position demonstrates improved diplomatic power for the country, despite experiencing a minor decrease in actual figures. Experts suggest that as India negotiates new migration mobility agreements, this number is likely to fluctuate. The current objective focuses on using the 55 available countries, which include popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia and Africa and the Caribbean, for travel purposes.
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