Pakistan Passport Ranks Among World’s Weakest in 2025: Global Mobility Concerns Deepen

Pakistan’s passport continues to face challenges on the global stage, ranking as the fourth weakest globally in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. This year’s listing places the country at 96th, sharing the spot with Somalia and Yemen, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 32 destinations. As nations like the UAE soar in global mobility, Pakistan finds itself falling behind its regional counterparts.

Pakistan Passport Ranks: A Persistent Struggle for Global Access

In the latest Henley Passport Index, Pakistani citizens rank among the least mobile in the world. With only 32 countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, the travel limitations are stark compared to other regional players. The country edges ahead of only Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan—the bottom three on the list. Afghanistan remains the weakest passport, with access to merely 25 countries.

According to Henley & Partners, the index is compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is widely recognized as the authoritative ranking of passport strength. The limited global mobility for Pakistani citizens reflects deeper geopolitical and diplomatic challenges facing the country.

Regional Comparisons: UAE’s Rise, India and the Philippines Improve

While Pakistan struggles with mobility, other nations in Asia are making notable strides. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) achieved its highest-ever ranking, coming in at 8th globally. UAE citizens now enjoy visa-free travel to 183 destinations, a direct result of strategic bilateral agreements, such as a recent deal with China.

India has also shown improvement, climbing eight spots to 77th place, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 62 destinations. The Philippines maintains steady access to 67 destinations, placing it at 74th. The growing mobility of these nations contrasts sharply with Pakistan’s stagnant performance, prompting calls for renewed diplomatic focus on travel freedom.

Why Is the Pakistan Passport So Weak?

Several factors contribute to the poor ranking of the Pakistani passport:

• Limited international agreements: Unlike the UAE, Pakistan has not pursued or secured wide-ranging visa waiver deals.

• Geopolitical concerns: Political instability, security risks, and strained diplomatic relations have negatively impacted the perception of Pakistani travelers.

• Economic and administrative hurdles: Challenges within the country’s bureaucracy and economic structure hinder efforts to negotiate favorable travel terms with other nations.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has acknowledged these issues and committed to addressing concerns from the business community and diaspora regarding international travel difficulties. However, tangible improvements are yet to be seen.

Global Passport Power: Who’s Leading?

Singapore retained its title as the most powerful passport in the world, granting visa-free access to 193 destinations. It is followed by Japan and South Korea, with several EU countries such as Germany, France, and Italy also securing top positions. These rankings underscore a global shift, with emerging economies like the UAE outperforming traditional powers in mobility metrics.

Henley & Partners Chairman, Dr. Christian Kaelin, noted, “Emerging economies are expanding their diplomatic reach, while some traditional powers appear to be becoming more inward-looking.” This trend is reshaping global mobility dynamics in real time.

Calls for Reform and Diplomatic Engagement

Experts and analysts have urged Pakistan to invest in more proactive diplomacy to improve its standing. Expanding bilateral relations, signing visa waiver agreements, and improving domestic security could pave the way for better mobility. Without such reforms, Pakistani travelers will continue to face obstacles on the global front.

For Pakistani citizens, the Henley Passport Index serves as a stark reminder of the limitations tied to their nationality. As global travel increasingly becomes a pillar of economic and social opportunity, access remains a critical issue that policymakers can no longer afford to ignore.

Pakistan passports ranks low in mobility and the need for systemic reform and strategic diplomacy is more urgent than ever. In the face of mounting global competition, unlocking travel freedom for Pakistani citizens is not just a matter of convenience, but a gateway to international growth and opportunity.

You Must Know:

Why is the Pakistani passport considered weak?

It ranks low due to limited visa-free agreements, geopolitical instability, and underdeveloped diplomatic efforts compared to neighboring countries.

What is the rank of the Pakistani passport in 2025?

According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, it is ranked 96th, making it one of the four weakest passports globally.

How many countries can Pakistani citizens visit without a visa?

Pakistani passport holders can travel to 32 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.

What steps is the government taking to improve the passport rank?

The Interior Ministry has promised to expand international agreements and address mobility concerns raised by the business community.

Which passports are the strongest in 2025?

Singapore holds the top spot, followed by Japan, South Korea, and several EU countries like Germany, France, and Italy.

How does the UAE passport compare to Pakistan’s?

The UAE passport ranks 8th in the world with access to 183 countries, showcasing vast diplomatic success compared to Pakistan.