A Significant Leap in Mobility
Pakistan has achieved a notable improvement in global travel freedom, with its passport climbing five positions in the 2026 Henley Passport Index. The country now ranks 98th, up from 103rd in 2025, according to data released this week. This places Pakistan’s travel document on par with Yemen and ahead of Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan in the global mobility ranking.
Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Access
The improved ranking reflects access to 31 destinations where Pakistani citizens can travel without a prior visa or obtain one upon arrival. The passport provides visa-free entry to several nations, including:
- Barbados
- Cook Islands
- Dominica
- Rwanda
- Trinidad and Tobago
Furthermore, visa-on-arrival facilities are available in countries such as:
- Cambodia
- Maldives
- Qatar
- Samoa
- Senegal
These destinations span regions across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Oceania.
Government Hails “Major Milestone”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the development, describing the five-place jump as a “major milestone” for Pakistan. He expressed confidence that the positive momentum in passport strength would continue, signaling a commitment to further enhancing the country’s global mobility.
Global Passport Power Leaders
Meanwhile, Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport for the third consecutive year, offering visa-free access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow closely in second place, while several European nations, including Denmark, Spain, and Switzerland, share the third spot in the prestigious index.
