How Strong is Indian Passport?

One point worth remembering is that passport rankings can move even when the number of destinations accessible to a passport holder does not improve.

I read the October 2026 Henley update and noticed that India's position improved slightly compared with the previous October, but its access score fell from 57 destinations to 55.

That is because a ranking is relative to the access available to other passports as well. A country can move up or down depending on changes across the index.

I would also distinguish between passport strength and the strength of an individual visa application.

If you apply for a tourist visa, the consulate may consider your travel purpose, finances, employment, travel history, and other relevant factors. A passport ranking does not replace those requirements.

For anyone planning a trip, I would recommend checking the destination's official embassy or immigration website and confirming the rules close to departure.

Travel requirements can change with little notice, and third-party country lists may not always reflect the latest entry conditions.

I live in the UAE and hold an Indian passport. From my experience, the biggest issue with international travel is not always the passport ranking itself, but the visa process for the country you want to visit.

For some destinations, I can complete the visa application online. For others, I need to provide bank statements, employment details, hotel bookings, travel insurance, or other documents.

I have also noticed that people sometimes compare passport strength with visa approval chances. They are not the same thing.

A stronger passport generally gives its holders access to more destinations without a visa in advance. It does not automatically mean that every visa application will be approved.

Similarly, an Indian passport holder with a valid US or UK visa may qualify for easier entry to certain other destinations, depending on those destinations' rules. But this is not a universal benefit.

I always check whether the visa must be valid for a minimum period, whether it must have been used previously, and whether the rules apply to Indian citizens specifically.

So I would say the Indian passport provides useful travel options, but planning ahead is still important.

I think the Indian passport is useful for international travel, but it is not among the strongest passports when you compare visa-free access globally.

The latest Henley Passport Index for October 2026 places India at 84th, with access to 55 destinations without a visa in advance.

I would not judge a passport only by its rank, though. What matters to me is whether I can visit the places I actually want to travel to and how much paperwork is involved.

I have travelled to Nepal and Thailand on my Indian passport. The entry conditions were different for each destination, so I checked the latest requirements before booking.

One thing people sometimes overlook is that visa-free entry, visa on arrival, and electronic travel authorisation are not identical. Some destinations still require forms, fees, return tickets, or proof of accommodation even when a traditional visa is not required beforehand.

I would use the Henley ranking as a general comparison, not as the final word on whether I can enter a country.

For a particular trip, the destination's official immigration website is much more useful than a ranking alone.

According to the recent data, the Indian passport ranking has been in a good and strong condition compared to the last years. From the 85th position to 77, and now 73. The Indian passport has improved a lot and also allows more visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries to be accessible with the Indian passport.

The Indian Passport is currently on a path to success, with a fast ranking moving from 85th position to 73rd position in 2025. It means now with an indian Passport, you can travel to 59 visa-free countries without the need for any visa.