Travel freedom for Indian citizens continues to improve. According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, India has moved up from 85th position in 2025 to 80th globally. This rise reflects stronger diplomatic ties and broader international mobility for Indian travellers, making spontaneous travel easier than before.
The Henley Passport Index evaluates passports based on visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eTA access. While India climbed five places globally, policy changes by individual countries has reduced the overall count of easy-entry destinations, meaning rankings and access numbers don’t always move in the same direction.
Despite India’s improved ranking, the number of destinations offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access has fallen from 57 to 55. The reason lies in updated entry policies by two countries that were previously easy to visit for Indians. Wondering which? It is Iran and Bolivia.
Indian nationals travelling to Iran now require a visa. On 17 November 2025, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reported that several Indians were lured to Iran through visa-free entry with false job or transit promises. They were later kidnapped for ransom upon arrival.
Following safety concerns, Iran suspended visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passport holders from November 22, 2025. Travellers must now apply for a visa in advance, even for transit. Indian authorities have also warned citizens to avoid agents offering visa-free routes through Iran.
Why Losing Visa-Free Access Matters? In 2025, visa-free access allowed Indians to visit Iran for short stays without prior embassy visits or paperwork. Such arrangements usually include limits on stay duration, proof of funds, and valid return tickets. These benefits are now gone for Indian travellers.
Bolivia also requires an e-Visa for Indians in 2026. Indian passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before travelling to Bolivia. The process involves online application, document uploads, and electronic fee payment, with approval required before departure.
In 2025, Bolivia offered Visa On Arrival, allowing Indians to travel without prior approval and complete formalities at the airport. Under Henley’s methodology, visa-on-arrival counts as easy access, but e-Visas are classified as “visa required”, reducing India’s score.
What this means for Indian Travellers? With Iran and Bolivia no longer offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, Indian travellers must prepare documents and approvals well in advance. India’s total number of easy-entry destinations now stands at 55 in 2026, despite the higher global ranking.
Visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eTA (Electronic Travel Authority) policies are subject to sudden changes due to diplomatic, security, health, or migration concerns. Travellers are advised to always verify entry requirements before booking flights, even to destinations previously considered hassle-free.
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