Pakistan’s passport has risen five places to 98th in the Henley Passport Index 2026, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 31 destinations. The improvement reflects diplomatic efforts and new agreements.
Pakistani passport ranking shows positive progress as it climbed from 103rd in 2025 to 98th in 2026, according to the latest Henley Passport Index released this week. Tied with Yemen, it now ranks ahead of Iraq at 99th, Syria at 100th, and Afghanistan at 101st. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the development as a “strong achievement” and stated the momentum will continue.
This advancement in Henley Passport Index Pakistan highlights gradual gains in global mobility for citizens amid ongoing challenges in South Asia. Stronger passport power facilitates business, education, tourism, and family visits, boosting economic opportunities in a region where travel restrictions often hinder cross-border connections.
Pakistan Passport Improves Five Places in Ranking
The Henley Passport Index, compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), measures visa-free access or visa-on-arrival options for ordinary passports. Pakistan passport improves by securing access to 31 destinations without prior visa requirements.
Visa-free countries include Barbados, Cook Islands, Dominica, Haiti, Micronesia, Montserrat, Rwanda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu.
Visa-on-arrival options cover Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Maldives, Mozambique, Nepal, Niue, Palau Islands, Qatar, Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Timor-Leste, and Tuvalu.
Electronic Travel Authorisation applies for Kenya, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi posted on X: “Pakistan’s passport ranking improving from 126th to 98th is a strong achievement and this momentum will continue, InshaAllah.”
The minister referenced a rise from an earlier position, though official previous rank stood at 103rd in 2025 per Dawn reporting.
This Pakistan passport improves amid broader regional context where neighbours like India rank higher at 80th with 55 destinations.
Henley Passport Index Pakistan Shows Regional Standing
At the top, Singapore leads with visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow with 188 each. Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland tie for third with 186.
The bottom ranks feature Afghanistan at 101st with 24 destinations, Syria at 100th, Iraq at 99th, and Pakistan/Yemen at 98th.
Pakistan’s position places it ahead of several conflict-affected nations but behind most South Asian peers. Bangladesh ranks around 95th in some reports.
The index underscores diplomatic trust and stability as key factors in passport strength.
Background: Long-Term Trends in Pakistani Passport Mobility
Pakistan’s passport has faced consistent challenges since 2021, often ranking among the world’s weakest. In 2021 it stood at 107th, 2022 at 109th, 2023 and 2024 at 100th, and 2025 at 103rd.
The 2026 rise marks the first notable improvement in years, linked to new bilateral agreements and enhanced passport services.
The government introduced a Digital Integrated Dashboard for real-time tracking of applications and a redesigned passport featuring cultural landmarks.
These steps aim to improve processing efficiency and global perception.
In South Asia, passport rankings reflect varying diplomatic outreach. India’s higher position aids its diaspora and business travel, while Pakistan works to narrow the gap.
What’s Next in Pakistani Passport Ranking
Continued diplomatic engagements could yield more visa waivers or easier access agreements. Officials express optimism for further gains in Henley Passport Index Pakistan.
Pakistani passport ranking gains momentum, signalling potential for enhanced global mobility in coming years. Pakistan is continuously improving its ranking by applying key reforms throughout the ranking process. The government is continuously working in the region to improve ties, and providing business oppurtunities to newcomers.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 15th, 2026
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