In the 2025 Global Ranking released by the Henley Passport Index, Pakistan’s passport has been ranked among the four weakest in the world, sharing the 96th position with Yemen and Somalia. This year’s index paints a concerning picture for Pakistani travelers, as the nation’s passport only provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 destinations out of 227, reflecting minimal global mobility and limited travel freedom.
The Henley Passport Index, compiled by the UK-based citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, is one of the most reliable global benchmarks for measuring the strength of passports. The index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), covering 199 different passports and 227 travel destinations worldwide. The higher the number of countries a passport holder can enter without a prior visa, the stronger the passport is ranked.
Pakistan’s Low Ranking Reflects Ongoing Global Isolation
Pakistan’s placement near the bottom of the list highlights persistent geopolitical and security challenges, weak diplomatic ties, and strained international relations. Despite being a nuclear power with a significant population and strategic regional importance, Pakistan continues to struggle in improving its image on the global stage, which is reflected in its lack of visa-free access to the majority of the world’s countries.
The ranking suggests limited international trust in Pakistan’s security protocols and border management, discouraging many countries from easing entry requirements for Pakistani citizens. The lack of mutual visa agreements and international partnerships also plays a role in the country’s stagnant mobility score.
Comparison with Regional Neighbours
A closer look at the Henley Index reveals how Pakistan significantly lags behind its regional neighbors in terms of global mobility:
- China ranks 60th, with access to around 85 destinations visa-free.
- India, Pakistan’s immediate neighbor, holds the 77th position, offering its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 62 destinations.
- Iran, despite facing heavy international sanctions, stands at 91st place, ahead of Pakistan.
- Afghanistan, ravaged by years of conflict and political instability, remains the lowest-ranked passport in the world, providing access to just 25 destinations.
Top Global Performers: Asian and European Dominance
While South Asian countries struggle with travel freedom, Asian nations continue to dominate the top ranks of the passport index:
- Singapore once again holds the top spot in 2025, with visa-free access to 193 destinations, making it the most powerful passport in the world.
- Japan and South Korea share second place, granting their citizens visa-free access to 190 destinations.
- Seven European Union countries — Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Finland, and Ireland — are tied for third place, offering access to 189 destinations.
Further down, another group of seven European nations — Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Luxembourg, and Sweden — occupy fourth place, allowing entry to 188 destinations without prior visas.
New Zealand stands out as the only non-Asian or European nation in the top five, sharing fifth place with Greece and Switzerland, with visa-free access to 187 destinations.
The Mobility Gap: A Widening Divide
The stark contrast between the top and bottom-ranked countries exposes a mobility gap of 168 destinations — a figure that underscores the growing divide between countries with strong diplomatic relations and those struggling with political instability, security concerns, or international isolation.
While citizens of countries like Singapore and Germany can travel to nearly every corner of the globe with ease, Pakistani citizens face significant hurdles, including strict visa application processes, long approval wait times, and higher scrutiny in foreign airports.
Final Thoughts: A Call for Strategic Diplomatic Reform
The 2025 Henley Passport Index ranking should serve as a wake-up call for Pakistani authorities and policymakers. To improve the country’s global mobility standing, Pakistan must focus on:
- Enhancing diplomatic relations
- Negotiating reciprocal visa agreements
- Strengthening domestic security and immigration systems
- Improving the country’s global image
Until meaningful reforms are enacted and stronger international trust is built, the Pakistani passport will remain among the weakest globally, limiting opportunities for business, tourism, education, and cultural exchange for millions of citizens.
Conclusion:
Pakistan’s continued low ranking in the Henley Passport Index is not just a travel inconvenience; it is a reflection of broader issues relating to foreign policy, global trust, and internal governance. Addressing these root causes is essential if Pakistan hopes to move up the ranks and secure greater global mobility for its people in the years to come.
