The Henley Passport Index updated quarterly using IATA data and Henley & Partners research ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa or with visa on arrival In 2025 the global passport landscape has once again shifted highlighting both the most powerful passports and those that face greater travel restrictions .
Singapore holds the top spot with its passport granting visa free or visa on arrival access to 193 destinations Following closely are Japan and South Korea with access to around 190 countries each Leading European nations such as France Germany Italy Spain and Ireland occupy positions three through six with access to 182–189 destinations .
At the other end of the spectrum are countries with the weakest passports offering limited global mobility Afghanistan Syria Iraq Yemen and Pakistan are among the lowest ranked with access to only 25 to 32 destinations .
Where Pakistan Stands
Henley Passport Index 2025
Pakistan ranks among the bottom tier in the Henley Passport Index As of early 2025 Pakistani passport holders can travel to only 33 to 34 countries without a visa or by obtaining one upon arrival This limited access places Pakistan near the lowest global positions .
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Passport Index & Other Rankings
According to VisaIndexcom Pakistan’s passport is ranked 105th globally offering travel to 31 countries without pre arranged visas A separate evaluation by Nomad Capitalist which factors in criteria like personal freedom tax policies and dual citizenship options ranked Pakistan 195th out of 199 highlighting significant limitations beyond just visa access .
Recent Improvements for Pakistan
Despite its low ranking Pakistan’s passport has shown signs of improvement Reports indicate that Pakistan rose to 100th place on the Henley Index in 2025 compared to 113th in 2021 a notable jump of 13 positions .
Some sources now list up to 46 countries offering visa free or visa on arrival entry for Pakistani citizens although the most authoritative rankings typically mention 33–34 destinations .
Visa Free Destinations for Pakistani Travelers
The countries offering visa free or visa on arrival access to Pakistani passport holders vary slightly by source Common destinations include .
- Asia & Middle East Qatar Nepal Maldives Sri Lanka .
- Africa Kenya Mozambique Rwanda Seychelles Burundi Djibouti Somalia Senegal Sierra Leone .
- Caribbean Haiti Barbados Trinidad & Tobago .
- Others Cambodia and a few Pacific island nations .
These destinations are mostly smaller developing countries or those with strong regional or bilateral ties to Pakistan .
Domestic Reforms Improving Mobility
The Pakistani government has initiated several reforms aimed at improving passport strength and accessibility Mustafa Jamal Qazi Director General of Passports announced the addition of new security features in Pakistani passports to meet international standards .
Plans are underway to install e gates at major airports for e passport holders which will streamline exit and entry processes Additionally the passport backlog has reportedly been cleared and online application services have been expanded to support overseas Pakistanis .
The government has also launched the Asaan Fee App for instant passport payments and is developing a dedicated Passport App that will allow citizens to apply and receive passports at home reducing administrative burden and enhancing service delivery .
What This Means for Pakistani Travelers
While the number of accessible destinations remains limited compared to top tier countries recent improvements offer hope Increased mobility means more opportunities for tourism business education and family visits .
Technological upgrades and digital services reduce administrative hurdles and signal Pakistan’s intent to modernize its passport system However the fact that major destinations like the US UK and Schengen countries still require advance visas reflects the gap that must still be bridged .
The broader rankings such as Nomad Capitalist’s also suggest that Pakistan must work on policy level reforms including tax freedom and dual citizenship rights to make meaningful strides .
Conclusion & Outlook
Although Pakistan’s passport remains among the world’s weakest there are clear signs of progress A steady rise in global rankings coupled with government reforms and expanded access to visa free countries show that mobility is improving for Pakistani citizens .
Still significant challenges remain To further enhance its passport’s power Pakistan will need to pursue more international visa agreements strengthen diplomatic relations and continue investing in technology and global compliance .
The road ahead is long but the direction is now promising .