Pakistani Passport ► Understanding Its Low Across Global Ranking in 2025
If you’ve heard that the Pakistani passport ranks among the weakest in the world, you’re not alone. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar recently confirmed this unfortunate reality. But what does this really mean? Why is Pakistan’s passport so weak, and how does it compare with others, especially in Asia? Let’s break it down in simple terms so anyone can understand.
Pakistani Passport Ranks Lowest Across World
Pakistan’s passport is ranked near the bottom globally. According to multiple sources, including the Henley Passport Index and Nomad Passport Index, Pakistan ranks around 195th out of 199 countries. It is one of the weakest passports worldwide, just above countries like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. This means Pakistani citizens face strict visa requirements and limited travel freedom.
Why Is the Pakistani Passport Weak?
A weak passport doesn’t just mean travel hassles. It reflects deeper issues like:
- Limited diplomatic ties with many countries
- Political instability and security concerns
- Strict visa policies imposed by other nations
- Lack of flexible dual citizenship and tax policies
- Limited global trust and perception of Pakistan
This combination makes it hard for Pakistanis to travel easily, affecting business, education, and family visits abroad.
Pakistani Passport World Ranking in Recent Years
Here’s how Pakistan’s passport ranking has changed over time:
| Year | Rank (Approx.) | Visa-Free Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 93rd | Around 30 |
| 2021 | 100th | Around 32 |
| 2022 | 103rd | Around 33 |
| 2025 | 195th (Nomad Index) / 103rd (Henley) | 32-46 (varies by source) |
The huge drop to 195th in the Nomad Passport Index 2025 reflects not just visa access but also factors like taxation and personal freedoms.
What Is the Rank of the Pakistani Passport in the World?
- Henley Passport Index 2024-25: 103rd out of 106, fourth-worst globally
- Nomad Passport Index 2025: 195th out of 199, near the very bottom
- Passport Index 2025: Around 91st to 100th, depending on the source
This shows some variation, but all agree Pakistan’s passport is among the weakest worldwide.
Pakistani Passport Visa-Free Countries
Pakistani passport holders can travel visa-free to only about 11 countries, including:
- Barbados
- Dominica
- Gambia
- Haiti
- Micronesia
- Rwanda
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vanuatu
Additionally, there are about 19 countries offering visas on arrival, such as Nepal, Maldives, Cambodia, and Qatar.
Asia Passport Ranking: How Does Pakistan Compare?
In Asia, passport strength varies widely:
| Country | Visa-Free Access | Rank (Henley 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 195 | 1 |
| Japan | 193 | 2 |
| South Korea | 191 | 4 |
| India | 57 | 85 |
| Pakistan | 32-46 | 100+ (varies) |
Pakistan’s passport is significantly weaker than India’s, which ranks 85th with access to 57 countries visa-free or visa on arrival.
Indian Passport vs Pakistani Passport
The Indian passport is stronger than Pakistan’s by a wide margin. Indians enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 57 destinations, almost double Pakistan’s access. This difference impacts travel ease, business, and education opportunities for citizens of both countries.
What Are the Top 10 Strongest Passports?
The strongest passports in 2025 are dominated by European and Asian countries. Here are the top 10 from the Henley Passport Index:
| Rank | Country | Visa-Free Access |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 195 |
| 2 | Japan | 193 |
| 3 | Finland | 192 |
| 4 | France | 191 |
| 4 | Germany | 191 |
| 4 | Italy | 191 |
| 4 | South Korea | 191 |
| 4 | Spain | 191 |
| 4 | Austria | 191 |
| 5 | Denmark | 190 |
These passports allow holders to travel easily to nearly 190+ countries without a visa.
Passport Ranking Wikipedia and Other Indexes
Passport rankings come from different sources:
- Henley Passport Index: Based on visa-free access to 227 destinations. Updated regularly.
- Nomad Passport Index: Includes visa access plus taxation, personal freedoms, and dual citizenship policies.
- VisaGuide Passport Index: Uses a Destination Significance Score (DSS) to weigh visa-free access by country’s importance.
Pakistan ranks low in all these indexes due to limited visa-free access and other factors.
Best Citizenship in the World: Why It Matters
A strong passport means more than travel freedom. It offers:
- Better business and job opportunities abroad
- Access to quality education and healthcare
- Easier migration and family reunification
- Safety nets in case of political or economic crises
Countries like Ireland, Switzerland, and Singapore offer some of the best citizenships globally, combining travel freedom with personal and economic benefits.
Tips for Pakistani Passport Holders
- Plan ahead: Many countries require visas, so apply early.
- Check visa-on-arrival options: These can save time and hassle.
- Consider second citizenship: Some countries offer citizenship by investment or naturalization, which can open doors.
- Stay updated: Passport rankings and visa rules change frequently.
Info Box: What Does Visa-Free Mean?
- Visa-Free: You can enter without applying for a visa.
- Visa on Arrival: Get your visa when you land, usually quick.
- Visa Required: You must apply before traveling.
Pakistani passport holders mostly face visa-required or visa-on-arrival conditions, limiting travel ease.
Why Does Pakistan’s Passport Rank So Low? A Closer Look
The low ranking is not just about travel rules. It reflects:
- Political instability affecting global trust
- Security concerns limiting diplomatic relations
- Rigid dual citizenship laws that discourage global ties
- Economic challenges reducing Pakistan’s global influence
These factors create a cycle where limited travel freedom hurts business and education, which in turn affects the country’s global standing.
How Can Pakistan Improve Its Passport Ranking?
- Strengthen diplomatic relations worldwide
- Reform visa and citizenship policies to be more flexible
- Support the Pakistani diaspora to invest and return easily
- Improve security and political stability
- Promote trade and cultural exchanges
These steps can gradually improve Pakistan’s global mobility and passport strength.
Pakistani Passport World Ranking 2022 vs 2025
Pakistan’s passport ranking has remained near the bottom for years. In 2022, it was 100th to 103rd in most indexes. By 2025, the Nomad Passport Index placed it even lower at 195th due to broader criteria beyond visa access.
Passport Visa-Free Countries: What Can Pakistani Citizens Visit Easily?
Pakistani passport holders can visit a handful of countries visa-free, mostly small nations or in Africa and the Caribbean. This limited list restricts travel options for tourism, business, and education.
Final Thoughts
The Pakistani passport’s low ranking is a wake-up call. It shows the need for better diplomacy, reforms, and global engagement. While travel freedom is limited now, with the right policies, Pakistan can improve its global standing and offer its citizens better opportunities.
FAQs
How many countries can Pakistani passport holders visit visa-free?
About 11 countries are visa-free, with roughly 19 offering visas on arrival.
How does Pakistan’s passport compare to India’s?
India’s passport is stronger, ranked 85th with access to 57 countries, almost double Pakistan’s access.
What is the strongest passport in the world?
Singapore’s passport, with visa-free access to 195 countries in 2025.
Can Pakistan improve its passport ranking?
Yes, through better diplomacy, citizenship reforms, and political stability.
What does visa-free travel mean?
It means you can enter a country without needing a visa beforehand.
Are there second citizenship options for Pakistanis?
Yes, some countries offer citizenship by investment or naturalization, which can improve travel freedom.
