To own a passport that converts geographical borders into no more than traffic barriers is a form of soft power. The one that UAE passport holders can flex hard at the moment. Ranked as the world’s most powerful passport in 2026 by Passport Index, UAE ranked ahead of Singapore, Spain, and a host of other European countries. The Passport Index, published by Arton Capital has consistently placed the Emirati passport at the top spot ever since 2018. The country’s global influence in business, tourism, and diplomacy have all played a part in translating into easier access to more countries for its citizens. The passport index measures global mobility through visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival access and electronic travel authorisations.
Where does India figure?
The UAE grabbed the top spot while the US ranked ninth and as for India, it has been placed at number 68 alongside Gambia, Rwanda, Cuba, and Kyrgyzstan. According to the report, Indian passport holders get visa-free access to 30 destinations, visa-on-arrival to 42 countries, while visas are required beforehand for 126 destinations.
Not a major aberration from other global passport indices, who also place India quite similarly in the rankings. According to the latest Henley Passport Index Report, released earlier this year, India featured at 78th position sharing its ranking with Burkina Faso, Cuba and Senegal.
Social media is replete with travails of Indian passport holders trying to get hold of Schengen or US visas. Last year, Dr Rajeshwari Iyer, a professor based out of India, shared through her social media account, “Maturity is when you realise the Indian passport strength after applying for US and Schengen visa. They check your passport with a lens.” Her post, meant to casually share the level of difficulty in securing a visa to these countries, was taken as a direct attack on the nation and called out for being non contextual.
However, there’s no denying the fact behind the statement, especially if the statistics are anything to go by. The numbers should concern every Indian planning a trip abroad anytime soon.
As per the data by European Commission visa statistics for CY 2024, over 1.65 lakh Schengen visa applications from India were rejected. Roughly translated, that's 1 in every 7 applications. In financial terms, that’s a collective loss of Rs 136 crore in non-refundable visa fees. While the real cost of single rejection is far higher as it often includes pre-bookings for flights, stays and travel insurance. The cost further compounds if the applicant factors in leaves and other lost opportunities.
Also read: Passport never been proof of citizenship: Centre
However, Schengen countries are not even where the Indian passport holders face the heaviest rejection rates. As per the US Department of State, for the same year, the rejections rate for B visas for Indians stood at 16.32 per cent.
Reportedly, in 2026, the Schengen visa evaluation has moved from the traditional document-based checklist to a more holistic, careful assessment of the applicants. Stronger data sharing among consulates and visa officers has made it easier to cross reference each application, find out the inconsistencies, thereby resulting in higher rates of rejections.
Insufficient financial proof and incorrect documentation are often the biggest factors behind rejection, although the two countries’ geopolitical equation also recaliberates the rates of approval or rejection each year.
Comparatively, Emirati passport holders face exceptionally low rejection rates, with the region facing as low as 1-2 per cent US visa rejections. The numbers are similarly low for the UAE passport holders from other countries as well.
Can’t beat the system, circumvent it!
Each year, millions of Indians apply to European travel hubs, with France leading in the absolute volume and numbers of rejections. Well-heeled Indians have learnt the soft power of unexpired visas to coveted destinations. Holding a valid, unexpired visa to US, UK and Canada brings along a travel history that opens doors to a host of nations, with Schengen visa being considered the ultimate ‘gateway visa’ to travel across 29 European member countries. Similarly, a US visa carries advantages beyond just visiting the United States. A valid US visa brings along visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival and boosted approval rates to over 20 other countries.
A powerful passport not only means separate lanes and terminals at the immigration counters but quicker access to nations through reduced paper work and visa formalities. Till the diplomatic approach and macro-economic growth does that for Indians, they would have to resort to individual travel hacks and crack unspoken visa approval codes. Passport strength reflects a nation’s soft power, global standing and cultural clout. It’s time it worked in the favour of Indians and the government thought about working towards it.
By Manpriya Singh
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