According to the latest Henley Passport Index, India has dropped to the 81st position, compared with the 75th rank recorded in the February 2026 edition. Under the current ranking, Indian passport holders have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations worldwide, down from 57 destinations last year. The changes reflect a decline in the number of countries where Indian travellers can enter with minimal immigration procedures.
Iran, which had been one of the more accessible destinations in West Asia for Indian tourists, has suspended its visa-waiver programme for ordinary Indian passport holders. The change took effect in November 2025, ending the earlier facility that allowed Indians to enter Iran without obtaining a visa before departure. Popular attractions such as the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz and Tehran’s Grand Bazaar had previously been accessible without advance visa arrangements.
Bolivia has also changed its entry process for Indian visitors by ending its visa-on-arrival facility. Indian travellers who earlier could obtain a visa after reaching Bolivia must now apply through the e-visa system before their journey. Applicants are required to submit documents online and wait for approval before travelling. Although the process remains digital, it is no longer classified as visa-on-arrival because prior authorisation is compulsory.
The Cape Verde Islands have introduced additional requirements for Indian travellers seeking an island holiday experience. From January 1, 2026, Cape Verde officially discontinued its visa-on-arrival facility for citizens of 96 countries, including India. Previously, Indian visitors could complete registration through the country’s EASE platform, pay the required fees and receive their tourist visa after arrival. That facility has now been removed, and travellers arriving without a valid visa may face refusal of entry.
Nicaragua has implemented one of the most significant immigration changes affecting Indian passport holders in 2026. From February 16, the country introduced revised immigration rules under which Indian travellers were shifted to Category C, also known as the Consulted Visa category. Under this system, travellers must obtain prior authorisation from Nicaragua’s immigration authorities before boarding their flight. The earlier visa-on-arrival facility available to Indian citizens has been discontinued.
The latest changes highlight the importance of verifying current immigration requirements before planning international travel. Visa policies can change rapidly, and previous travel experiences may no longer reflect the rules currently applicable. Indian travellers planning overseas trips must ensure they have the required approvals and documentation before departure to avoid entry-related complications.
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