According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the Pakistani passport has retained its position as the 4th worst in the world, ranking 100th out of 199 countries. It offers visa-free access to only 33 destinations, tying with Yemen. The index evaluates passports based on visa-free travel privileges.
“Afghanistan remains firmly entrenched as the world’s weakest passport, losing access to yet another destination over the past six months, leaving its citizens with access to only 26 countries visa-free — the lowest score ever recorded in history of the 19-year-old index,” a press release said.
In contrast, the strongest passports belong to Singapore, Germany, Italy, Japan, France, and Spain, allowing visa-free entry to 192-195 destinations. The United States ranks 8th, with access to 186 countries.
Notably, the United Arab Emirates has made a significant jump to the top 10, with its passport now offering visa-free access to 185 destinations, up from 62nd position last year. This remarkable rise reflects the Emirati government’s efforts to establish the UAE as a global hub.
The Henley & Partners CEO, Dr. Juerg Steffen, highlights the correlation between visa-free scores and economic prosperity, stating that nations with higher scores tend to enjoy greater GDP per capita, increased foreign investment, and robust international trade relationships.
