The Henley Passport Index for 2025 has placed Pakistan among the world’s weakest passports, ranking it at the 103rd position alongside Yemen. The Pakistani passport offers visa-free access to only 33 countries, underscoring its limited global mobility.
Global Rankings: Top Performers
Singapore tops the Henley Passport Index for 2025, granting its citizens visa-free access to 195 countries. Japan follows closely as the second most powerful passport, with visa-free entry to 193 destinations.
European Union member states have also maintained strong positions. France, Germany, Italy, and Spain have dropped two places but remain in the third position, alongside South Korea and Finland, with access to 192 destinations without a visa. Meanwhile, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden share the fourth spot, with visa-free access to 191 countries.
Countries such as Belgium, Portugal, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the UK rank fifth, allowing visa-free travel to 190 destinations. Australia and Greece follow in sixth place with access to 189 countries, while Canada, Malta, and Poland share the seventh spot with 188 visa-free destinations.
Notable Declines
Over the past decade, only 22 of the world’s 199 passports have seen a decline in their rankings. The United States has experienced one of the most significant drops, falling from second place in 2015 to ninth in 2025. Venezuela has recorded the steepest decline.
Pakistan and Regional Comparisons
Pakistan’s position at 103rd reflects minimal improvement over the years. In the 2024 Henley Passport Index, it was ranked as the fourth weakest globally. Countries with weaker passports than Pakistan include Iraq (104th), Syria (105th), and Afghanistan (106th).
Several nations rank slightly above Pakistan. Somalia holds the 102nd spot, while Nepal, Palestine, and Bangladesh follow closely. India ranks significantly higher at 85th, offering its citizens access to 59 countries visa-free. China is positioned at 60th, Iran at 96th, and Saudi Arabia at 58th in the latest rankings.
Methodology
The Henley Passport Index, compiled by Henley & Partners, ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The index is based on exclusive Timatic data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Global Mobility Trends
The stark disparity in global mobility highlighted by the Henley Passport Index reflects ongoing geopolitical and economic divides. While passports from countries like Singapore and Japan provide near-global access, citizens of countries like Pakistan face significant restrictions, limiting their global opportunities and connectivity.
