Passport Ranking (Passport Index)
Passport ranking measures how powerful a passport is based on the number of countries its holders can visit visa-free or with visa on arrival.
What It Means
Passport rankings (maintained by indexes like Henley Passport Index, Arton Capital, etc.) score passports based on travel freedom — specifically, how many countries the passport holder can enter without a pre-arranged visa. The score includes visa-free access, visa on arrival, eTA, and eVisa. Rankings change quarterly as countries update their visa policies. The ranking doesn't reflect the quality of life in a country, just the travel freedom its passport provides. Top-ranked passports (like Japan, Singapore, Germany) provide access to 190+ countries, while lower-ranked passports may access 30-50.
What This Means for Indian Travelers
The Indian passport ranks #80 on the Henley Passport Index 2026, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations — up five places from its 2025 rank of #85. Recent wins include visa-free access to Thailand (2024), expanded Japan eVisa (2025), and expanded UAE visa-on-arrival eligibility (2025). While still lower than many Western passports, the trend is positive. The Indian government's goal is to break into the top-60 bracket by 2030 through targeted diplomatic negotiations.
Examples
- 1Singapore passport — #1 ranked, access to 192 countries
- 2Japan & South Korea — #2 ranked, access to 188 countries
- 3Indian passport — #80, access to 55 visa-free destinations
- 4US passport — Top 10, access to 186 countries
Frequently Asked Questions
How is passport ranking calculated?
Rankings count the number of destinations accessible without a pre-arranged visa (visa-free + visa on arrival + eTA). Different indexes may have slightly different methodologies and scores.
Is the Indian passport getting stronger?
Yes! India climbed from #85 to #80 in the 2026 Henley Index. Recent additions include visa-free Thailand (2024), expanded Japan eVisa (2025), and expanded UAE visa-on-arrival for more visa categories (2025). The government is actively negotiating with more countries.
Does passport ranking affect visa approvals?
Not directly, but passport strength correlates with how embassies perceive applicants. Strong travel history and financial documentation matter more than passport ranking for individual applications.
Pro Tips
- Don't let passport ranking discourage you — with good documentation, Indians get approved for most visas
- Build your travel history strategically: start with easy countries, then apply for harder ones
- A US or Schengen visa in your passport significantly improves your profile for future applications
- Keep your passport in good condition — damaged passports can cause issues at immigration
Related Terms
Visa-Free Travel
Visa-free travel means you can enter a country with just your passport — no visa application, no fee, no stamp needed before arrival.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
A visa on arrival is issued at the port of entry (airport/border) when you land in the destination country, without prior application.
eVisa (Electronic Visa)
An eVisa is a digital visa that you apply for and receive entirely online, without visiting an embassy or consulate.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Now that you understand the terminology, check out our detailed visa guides for specific destinations.