With summer travel season underway, many Indians are planning international holidays, family visits and quick getaways. Before booking flights, travellers need to check updated visa rules as several countries have tightened entry requirements this year.According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, India ranks 81st globally, with passport holders able to access 55 destinations through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival (VOA), Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or similar arrangements.The number has fallen from 57 destinations in 2025, following immigration changes by countries including Iran, Bolivia, Cape Verde Islands and Nicaragua.India’s passport journey in 20262025: Indian passport holders had access to 57 destinations without a traditional visa before travel.January 2026: Access dropped to 55 after Iran and Bolivia changed their visa policies.February 2026: The number rose to 56 after The Gambia was added back.July 2026: Access fell again to 55 after Cape Verde removed visa-on-arrival access.The changes do not necessarily mean the Indian passport has weakened. Passport rankings fluctuate as countries update visa agreements, immigration rules and entry procedures.What changed in the July 2026 update?India’s passport ranking slipped to 81st, down from 80th in June and 75th in February 2026.Indian travellers currently have access to:27 visa-free destinations25 visa-on-arrival destinations3 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) destinations4 countries that changed visa rules in 2026Iran: Visa-free access suspendedIran ended visa-free entry for ordinary Indian passport holders after updating its security-related entry requirements.Indian travellers now need prior visa approval before visiting Iran.Bolivia: Visa-on-arrival replaced with e-visaBolivia moved Indian travellers from visa-on-arrival access to an online e-visa system.Travellers must now apply and receive approval before departure.Cape Verde Islands: Visa-on-arrival removedCape Verde ended its visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of 96 countries, including India, from January 1, 2026.Indian visitors must now obtain the required visa before arrival.Nicaragua: Advance approval requiredNicaragua removed visa-on-arrival access for Indian ordinary passport holders.Travellers must now receive prior approval from immigration authorities before flying.Full list: 55 destinations Indians can visit without a traditional visaVisa-free entry (27)Angola, Barbados, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Macao, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, Nepal, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Thailand, The Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu.Visa on arrival (25)Burundi, Cambodia, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Jordan, Laos, Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niue, Palau Islands, Qatar, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, St Lucia, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Zimbabwe.Electronic Travel Authorisation (3)Kenya, Seychelles, St Kitts and Nevis.World’s most powerful passports in 2026The latest Henley Passport Index shows a widening gap in global travel freedom.Top-ranked passports include:Singapore — 192 destinationsUAE, Japan, South Korea — 188 destinationsSweden — 187 destinationsBelgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Spain — 186 destinationsAustria, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Switzerland — 185 destinationsWhy passport rankings keep changingThe Henley Passport Index tracks access to 227 destinations across 199 passports using International Air Transport Association (IATA) data.Rankings change when countries:introduce or remove visa waiverstighten immigration ruleschange visa-on-arrival policiesintroduce digital visa systemsFor summer travellers, checking the latest entry rules before booking flights remains essential, as visa policies can change even after travel plans are made.