In the latest update from the Henley Passport Index, Pakistan finds itself in familiar territory as its passport retains its position as the fourth worst globally for the fourth consecutive year. Alongside Yemen, Pakistan’s passport is tied at the 100th place, with visa-free access to only 33 destinations. This places it above Iraq (101st), Syria (102nd), and Afghanistan (103rd), which remains at the bottom with access to only 26 countries, marking the lowest score in the history of the index.
Contrastingly, Singapore maintains its dominance at the top of the rankings, offering visa-free access to 195 destinations. Following closely behind are Germany, Italy, Japan, France, and Spain, each providing access to 192 destinations. In third place, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden allow passport holders to visit 191 countries visa-free.
The United Arab Emirates notably broke into the top 10 for the first time, achieving a visa-free score of 185 and climbing 53 places in the rankings. This ascent was attributed to strategic efforts by the UAE government to enhance global connectivity and promote the country as a hub for business, tourism, and investment.
Henley & Partners CEO Dr. Juerg Steffen highlighted the correlation between visa-free scores and economic prosperity, noting that countries with higher scores tend to enjoy greater GDP per capita, increased foreign direct investment, and stronger international trade relationships.
The latest rankings underscore ongoing global disparities in passport power and the significant impact of visa policies on a nation’s international standing and economic potential.
