Another Low! Pakistan Passport Stays at the Bottom in the World! India Shines Bright

Pakistan Passport: According to the most recent ranking by Henley & Partners, the Pakistani passport has managed to hit the bottom of the list and succeeded in being at the bottom for the fourth consecutive year as the world's weakest passport. Now ranking 100th, it offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a sum of 33 countries—a slight improvement from last year's 106th position, still weak. The Pakistan passport remains weaker than the passports of Iraq 101st, Syria 102nd, and Afghanistan 103rd.

Weakest Global Ranking Persisting for Four Years

This can be explained by many factors that have ranked this country at the lowest ebb, its continuing issues with terrorism, economic challenges, and the general image on the world stage. Despite a slight increase from last year's count—where a Pakistani passport holder could visit only 32 countries without a visa—the increment to 33 does very little to change the broader perception about its passport strength.

On the other end of the spectrum, Singapore's passport happens to be the strongest, it gives its citizens access visa-free to 195 countries. This top rank can be attributed to the strong standing of Singapore globally and the fine reputation its international relations enjoy. This will be followed by a second tier featuring Germany, Italy, Japan, France, and Spain, passports that allow entry to a total of 192 countries. Meanwhile, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden all allow visa-free entry to 191 countries, thus earning them a place in the third tier.

India's Passport Ranking Improvement

India has caught up somewhat in this year's rankings from 87th last year and 84th in 2023, putting it now at 82nd place. Indian passport holders can enter 58 countries now visa-free, indicating an overall improvement in India's relations with the world and its increased diplomatic engagement.

The Henley & Partners passport index ranks travel documents against the number of destinations holders can enter without a visa, thereby giving a snapshot of global mobility and international access. These rankings give insight into the shifting dynamics of global travel and security as countries move through geopolitical and economic challenges.