KATHMANDU: Nepal has climbed four places in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, improving its global passport ranking from 101st last year to 97th this year.

The latest report by the index, which measures the strength of passports and international travel access worldwide, shows that Nepali passport holders can currently travel to 35 destinations with either visa-free access or a visa on arrival.

Despite the improved ranking, Nepal’s travel access has narrowed slightly. In 2025, Nepali citizens had access to 36 destinations under visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements.

The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports against 227 destinations annually, assessing the level of global mobility available to passport holders. The latest rankings indicate progress in Nepal’s standing, although challenges remain in expanding international travel access for Nepali citizens.