Pakistan Passport Ranking Improves, Climbs Two Places to 98th in Global Index

Pakistan’s passport has recorded a notable improvement on the Henley Passport Index 2026, rising from 103rd in 2025 to 98th this year, according to official figures released on Thursday. The development marks a positive shift in Pakistan’s global mobility ranking after several years of limited progress.

Under the latest index, the Pakistani passport is ranked 98th, tied with Yemen, and now surpasses Iraq (99), Syria (100), and Afghanistan (101). The ranking reflects enhanced international travel access for Pakistani citizens and highlights incremental gains in the country’s passport strength.

The Henley Passport Index measures passport power based on the number of destinations holders can visit without a prior visa or with visa-on-arrival access. Currently, Pakistani passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 31 countries.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the improvement, describing it as a “strong achievement” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining momentum in strengthening Pakistan’s global travel standing.

The 2026 ranking represents a recovery from years of weaker performance. In 2025, Pakistan’s passport was ranked 103rd, placing it among the four weakest passports globally for the fifth consecutive year. Historically, the passport was ranked 100th in 2023 and 2024, 109th in 2022—with visa-free access to 32 countries—and 107th in 2021 with the same visa-free score.

The upward movement in the 2026 index signals a modest but meaningful improvement in Pakistan’s international mobility, providing greater opportunities for Pakistani travelers and reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s global travel access.