For the fifth year running, the Pakistani passport ranks as one of the world’s weakest, placing fourth from the bottom on the 2025 Henley Passport Index. This index ranks 199 passports based on the number of countries their holders can enter without a prior visa. Pakistan shares the 103rd spot with Yemen, while Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan follow closely behind at 104th, 105th, and 106th places.
Pakistani passport holders can visit only 33 countries visa-free, the same number as Yemeni citizens. In comparison, Iraqis have access to 31 countries, Syrians 28, and Afghans just 26. This marks a slight decline for Pakistan, which ranked 100th last year with access to 32 countries. The limited travel freedom reflects ongoing diplomatic and security challenges.
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Leading the index, Singapore tops the list with visa-free access to 193 countries. South Korea ranks second with 190, followed closely by Japan at 189. Several European nations, including Germany, Italy, and Spain, share the fourth position, offering entry to 188 countries without a visa. Austria, Belgium, and France hold fifth place with 187 countries.
The United States fell out of the top 10 for the first time, now tied for 12th place with Malaysia, allowing visa-free access to 180 countries. Meanwhile, the UK dropped from sixth to eighth place, marking its lowest ranking since 2015 when it was first on the list. These shifts indicate changing global relations and stricter travel policies.
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The Henley Passport Index highlights how geopolitical factors impact international mobility. Pakistan’s low ranking underlines the difficulties its citizens face in global travel, limiting business, tourism, and cultural exchange opportunities.