The 2026 shift: Why the numbers modified
The Henley Passport Index measures a passport’s power relative to different international locations. Whereas India’s rating improved, a number of nations worldwide imposed sharper restrictions by way of tightened borders and stricter digital necessities. This allowed India to climb the worldwide standings, at the same time as its personal visa-free entry fell barely.
The decline in complete visa-free locations displays a “two steps ahead, 4 steps again” yr in diplomatic negotiations and safety changes.
Gaining two, dropping 4 in 2026
India’s visa-free rely dropped from 57 to 55, reflecting a mixture of new features and up to date losses in international journey entry.
The brand new features
Malaysia – Now gives a 30-day visa-free keep for Indian travellers (requires a digital arrival card).
Kazakhstan – Added to the visa-free listing as a part of a strategic diplomatic push in Central Asia.
The current losses
-
Iran – Suspended visa-free entry in late 2025 as a consequence of safety considerations and trafficking scams focusing on Indian job-seekers.
-
Bolivia – Moved from “Visa on Arrival” to a strict e-Visa system. Below Henley guidelines, e-Visas don’t rely as visa-free as a result of they require pre-travel approval.
-
Senegal and Ethiopia – Each international locations not too long ago tightened protocols, requiring extra superior paperwork from unusual Indian passport holders.
Why Malaysia and Kazakhstan had been added
-
Malaysia: Strengthening tourism and enterprise ties with India.
-
Kazakhstan: A part of India’s strategic outreach in Central Asia, boosting short-term enterprise and leisure journey.
Important journey necessities
If you’re planning a visit to the 2 latest visa-free locations, hold these necessary necessities in thoughts:
Malaysia (30-day visa-free keep)
-
Goal: Tourism, social visits, leisure solely (work or research requires a conventional visa).
-
Necessary: Full the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) on-line not less than 3 days earlier than journey.
-
Proof of funds: Be ready to point out proof of roughly ₹40,000–₹50,000 in your checking account to clear immigration.
-
No Work: That is strictly for tourism; taking on employment on this waiver can result in deportation.
-
Paperwork: Passport legitimate 6+ months, return/onward ticket, lodge proof or host handle, proof of funds (~$50/day).
-
Notice: Failing to point out MDAC affirmation could end in fines or denied entry.
Kazakhstan (14-day visa-free keep)
-
Goal: Tourism, personal visits, short-term enterprise.
-
Keep restrict: 14 days per go to (most 42 days in 180 days).
-
No pre-approval wanted for brief journeys; motels routinely register company with migration authorities
-
Paperwork: Passport legitimate 6+ months, return/onward ticket, journey insurance coverage advisable.
-
Registration: If staying at a lodge, they may register you routinely. If staying with a bunch, they need to notify migration authorities inside 3 days.
These additions make journey to Malaysia and Kazakhstan simpler for Indian passport holders, opening contemporary choices in Asia for leisure and enterprise.
Passport energy stays unstable. The Ministry of Exterior Affairs (MEA) advises travellers to confirm entry necessities on official authorities portals 72 hours earlier than departure, as safety considerations can set off coverage modifications in a single day.
Why a stronger passport issues for Indian travellers
A stronger passport delivers real-world advantages for frequent flyers, enterprise travellers, college students and vacationers:
-
Much less paperwork: Fewer embassy visits and lowered dependence on brokers
-
Quicker planning: Simpler last-minute journey with out prolonged visa timelines
-
Value financial savings: Decrease visa charges and processing fees
-
Higher flexibility: Extra scope for spontaneous holidays and stopovers
-
Smoother borders: Typically improves prospects for future visa approvals
2026 journey information: The place are you able to go?
India now shares the eightieth spot with Algeria. Whereas nonetheless behind regional friends like China (sixty fourth) and the UAE (fifth), it has considerably recovered from its 2021 low of ninetieth. Indian passport holders can at the moment enter 55 jurisdictions with out a pre-departure visa.
Visa-free locations
Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Prepare dinner Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Nepal, Niue, Rwanda, Senegal, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu
Visa-on-arrival / ETA locations
Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Philippines, Palau Islands, Qatar, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Zimbabwe
A observe for travellers
Visa-free, visa-on-arrival and digital journey authorisation (eTA) insurance policies can change at quick discover as a consequence of safety, diplomatic, well being, or migration concerns. Test official authorities updates earlier than finalising journey plans.
The larger image
India’s 2026 rating underlines a key actuality: passport energy doesn’t all the time rise in a straight line. Diplomatic shifts, safety considerations, and altering visa insurance policies can cut back entry even when rankings enhance.
Traveller takeaway: Test entry guidelines rigorously, plan forward the place wanted, and keep up to date as visa insurance policies proceed to evolve.
