Henley Passport Index July 2026: Indian Passport Ranking Drops to 81st; Singapore Leads Global List
The latest 20th-anniversary edition of the Henley Passport Index (July 2026) shows a minor decline in the global mobility ranking of the Indian passport. Moving down to the 81st position, Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations worldwide.
While the Indian passport had shown upward momentum earlier in the year—securing the 75th spot in the February 2026 rankings—the mid-year adjustment reflects shifts in global visa policies and reciprocal bilateral agreements.
Historical Perspective: Two Decades of Passport Mobility
The 20-year retrospective analysis by the Henley Passport Index highlights significant shifts in global travel freedom over the past two decades:
2006 Baseline: In 2006, the Indian passport was ranked 71st globally.
Lowest Point: The ranking hit a historic low at 91st place in 2021 before recovering in subsequent years.
Impact of Lower Rankings: A lower passport rank limits spontaneous international travel, requiring citizens to undergo prior visa application procedures for more destinations.
Global Leaderboard: Singapore Tops Index; Western Dominance Shifts
The index underscores a broader structural shift in global travel power over the last 20 years, with Asian nations dominating the top spots:
1st Place – Singapore: Claims the world's most powerful passport, granting visa-free access to 192 destinations.
2nd Place – Japan, South Korea, & UAE: Tied for second position, offering hassle-free access to 188 destinations.
Western Nations Shift: Western powers that dominated the index in 2006 have seen their relative positions change. The United Kingdom currently sits at 6th place, while the United States ranks 10th.
Bottom Ranking: Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index with the most restricted global mobility.
Global Passport Index Comparison Table
| Country | World Rank | Visa-Free / On-Arrival Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 1st | 192 |
| Japan / South Korea / UAE | 2nd | 188 |
| United Kingdom | 6th | Varies by tier |
| United States | 10th | Varies by tier |
| India | 81st | 55 |
