Pakistan’s passport remains among the world’s weakest, ranking fourth-worst in the Henley Passport Index 2025, ahead of only Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The index, which uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks passports based on how many destinations holders can visit without a prior visa.
Pakistanis can currently travel to just a limited number of countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access.
At the top of the list, Singapore retained its position as the most powerful passport, with visa-free access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea followed in second place, granting access to 190 destinations each.
Seven European Union nations including Germany, France, and Italy tied for third place with visa-free access to 189 destinations.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates, now ranked 8th, remains the only Middle Eastern country in the top 10, having risen 34 places in the last decade.
Last month, Pakistan and the UAE signed a visa exemption deal for diplomatic and official passport holders, a move seen as a small step toward improving diplomatic ties and mobility.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, creator of the Henley Index, said the report shows a growing divide in global mobility. “Access is earned and must be maintained through active and strategic diplomacy,” she said.
Other notable trends include India’s jump from 85th to 77th place, and Saudi Arabia’s gain of four additional visa-free destinations, raising its rank to 54th.
The US and UK, once top-ranking, have both slipped further now ranked 10th and 6th, respectively continuing their downward trend in global mobility.
