Pakistan ranks among world’s weakest passports in 2025 index

Dubai: Pakistan’s passport has been ranked the fourth weakest in the world, placing 96th in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, alongside Somalia and Yemen.

Pakistani citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 destinations only, underscoring the country’s limited global mobility.

Published by the UK-based consultancy Henley & Partners, the annual index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a prior visa. The index uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is widely considered the most authoritative measure of passport strength.

Pakistan’s ranking remains near the bottom, ahead of only Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, the latter retaining its position as the world’s weakest passport with access to just 25 countries.

The Pakistan government officials, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, recently acknowledged business community concerns and pledged to expand visa access through more international agreements.

UAE reaches highest-ever ranking

The UAE continues its remarkable ascent in global mobility rankings, securing the 8th position globally, the highest for any Arab nation in the history of the index. Emirati passport holders can now travel to 183 countries without needing a prior visa.

The UAE’s rise has been attributed to a series of bilateral visa-waiver agreements, including a recent breakthrough with China, allowing visa-free access for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.

India and the Philippines

India’s passport climbed 8 spots to 77th in the 2025 index, granting access to 62 destinations, reflecting incremental improvements driven by recent diplomatic outreach. Meanwhile, the Philippines ranked 74th, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 67 countries showing little change from previous years.

Global mobility trends

At the top of the index, Singapore retained its position as the world’s most powerful passport with visa-free access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea followed closely in second place, while several EU countries, including Germany, France, and Italy, shared third.

Henley & Partners Chairman Dr Christian Kaelin said the rankings reflect shifting global dynamics. “Emerging economies are expanding their diplomatic reach, while some traditional powers appear to be becoming more inward-looking,” he noted.