India has made a slight incremental move up the passport ranking globally in 2026 and thus has more countries that Indians can travel to without a visa or with a visa on arrival. The Henley Passport Index reports that India is now ranked 80th, alongside Algeria, and its citizens can visit 55 countries without a visa or get a visa on arrival. The position is a notch better than last year’s position and shows a trend of gradual changes rather than sudden upheaval.The measure is derived by counting the number of countries that one can enter without having to apply for a visa in advance. In a practical sense, these are the factors that determine the traveller’s experience. For one thing, it influences the time, cost, and options of the trip. Even though the majority of the leading tourist destinations still require the submission of formalities, the increase in the list has allowed Indian passport holders more flexibility to travel to different parts of the world without having to go through the long process of getting official approval.

Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to 55 countries

A ranking of 80 does not place India near the top, but it does mark steady movement. The rank increase from 85 suggests progress through bilateral agreements and eased entry rules. Indian travellers now have broader access than before, especially for short stays. Compared with some neighbouring countries, the number of destinations available without prior visas is higher. This allows greater flexibility for holidays, business visits and brief study programmes. The change also signals how diplomatic ties translate into everyday travel benefits.

When countries talk about visa access, the terms can sound technical, but in practice, the differences are fairly simple. Each category shapes how easily a traveller can move and how much planning is needed before a trip. Here is how they work in everyday terms.Visa-free travelThis is the easiest form of entry. An Indian passport holder can travel without applying for any permission in advance. There is no online form, no embassy visit, and no approval to wait for before boarding a flight. On arrival, travellers go through immigration, where their passport is checked, and a stay is granted for a fixed period. It works much like domestic travel, apart from standard border checks. Because it removes both paperwork and uncertainty, visa free access is often seen as the highest level of travel freedom.Visa on arrivalVisa on arrival sits a step below visa-free access. People who are going to India don’t need to get a visa before they leave. They can do it after they get there. Usually, this means filling out a form at the airport or border, paying a fee, and providing documentation like a return ticket or proof of finances. The process can be swift, but there are usually long lines, and the rules are different in each nation. It is more flexible than regular visas, but it still requires more work once you get there.Electronic travel authorisation (ETA)ETAs fall between visa-free travel and full visas. Travellers must apply online before departure and receive approval electronically. The process is usually straightforward and handled within days, sometimes hours. No embassy visit is required, which makes it easier than a conventional visa. However, approval must be secured before travel, and airlines may deny boarding if it is missing. For ranking systems like the Henley Passport Index, ETAs are counted separately, which is why destinations requiring them are not included in visa-free totals.

List of visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders

Visa on arrival (VOA)

Electronic travel authorisation (ETA required)