Pakistan passport rises five places to 98th in global ranking

Despite the improvement, it remains among the world’s weakest travel documents

Pakistan’s passport has moved up the global travel freedom rankings, climbing to 98th position in the Henley Passport Index 2026, according to data released on Wednesday.

The index, compiled by London-based Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association, shows that Pakistani passport holders now have visa-free, visa-on-arrival or electronic travel authorisation access to 31 destinations across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Oceania.

Among the destinations that can be accessed without advance visas are Caribbean countries such as Barbados and Dominica, African states including Rwanda and Senegal, and South Pacific island nations like Vanuatu and Samoa.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the improvement, saying in a post on X: “Pakistan’s passport ranking improving from 126th to 98th is a strong achievement, and this momentum will continue, InshaAllah.”

Pakistan’s passport ranking improving from 126th to 98th is a strong achievement and this momentum will continue, InshaAllah. https://t.co/2PM0UjNo3F

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) January 15, 2026

Last year, Pakistan was ranked 103rd. The rise reflects gradual diplomatic gains and new visa arrangements that have slightly expanded international travel access for Pakistani citizens.

Screenshot from the Henley Passport Index showing a graph of Pakistan's passport rankings throughout the years.

Despite the improvement, Pakistan’s passport remains among the weakest globally. It is tied with Yemen at 98th and ranks just above Iraq (99), Syria (100) and Afghanistan (101).

With access to only 31 countries without pre-arranged visas, Pakistan continues to sit in the bottom tier of passport strength, underscoring persistent hurdles for travel related to tourism, business and education.

At the top of the index, Singapore retained its position as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea followed closely behind.