Introduction 

Passport rankings are a way to measure the power and privilege that a country’s passport offers to its citizens when it comes to international travel. These rankings are typically determined based on the number of countries a passport holder can visit without needing a visa or where a visa is issued on arrival. Various indexes, such as the Henley Passport Index, assess these rankings and provide an overview of how globally accepted a passport is. These rankings change each year, reflecting diplomatic relations, visa agreements, and global mobility.

Pakistan’s Current Passport Ranking 

As of 2024, Pakistan’s passport ranks 102nd in the world. Unfortunately, this ranking places Pakistan among the countries with the weakest passports. With a Pakistani passport, citizens can only travel to 32 countries without obtaining a visa beforehand or where a visa is available upon arrival. This limited access poses a challenge for Pakistani travelers, as they need to apply for visas in advance for most destinations, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Afghanistan’s Passport Rank 

Sitting just behind Pakistan, Afghanistan holds the 104th spot in the global passport ranking. It is widely recognized as one of the weakest passports in the world, offering its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 27 countries. Afghan travelers face numerous restrictions and barriers when attempting to travel abroad, often requiring rigorous visa applications for nearly all countries.

Mongolia’s Passport Ranking 

Mongolia, although not one of the most talked-about passports globally, has its position at the lower end of the scale. It is ranked as one of the weakest passports among the 194 countries. While the Mongolian passport doesn’t offer the freedom that more powerful passports provide, it does allow its citizens access to 62 countries without requiring a visa or with the option of obtaining a visa on arrival.

Singapore’s Passport Strength

Singapore currently boasts the strongest passport in the world, holding the number one position for 2024. Singaporean passport holders can travel to 193 countries without needing a visa, which showcases the diplomatic relationships Singapore has maintained with countries across the globe. The ease of travel for Singaporeans is unparalleled, allowing them to move freely across borders with minimal restrictions. This freedom makes Singapore’s passport highly coveted and an excellent representation of the country’s global standing.

Asian and Western Passport Strengths

When comparing the strength of passports from Asia and Europe, Asian countries, especially in recent years, have made remarkable strides. Singapore, Japan, and South Korea rank highly, with their citizens able to travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival options to over 190 countries. In contrast, Western nations such as Germany and Sweden have consistently ranked among the top passport holders globally, reflecting strong diplomatic ties and the trust these countries have earned.

Germany and Sweden’s Rankings

Germany ranks second, with its passport allowing citizens to travel to 191 destinations without a visa or with the option of obtaining one on arrival. Sweden is also among the top five, offering access to 190 countries. This puts these European nations just slightly behind Singapore in terms of global mobility.

Japan’s Declining Passport Strength

Japan, which used to hold the top spot, has slipped in the rankings, but it still remains one of the most powerful passports in the world, allowing visa-free access to 189 countries. Although it has seen a slight decline, Japanese passport holders continue to enjoy broad travel freedom.

The Pakistani Passport’s Global Standing

Pakistan’s 102nd position reflects significant challenges for its citizens who wish to travel abroad. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival options are limited to a handful of countries, mostly in Africa and the Caribbean. Some of the countries that Pakistanis can travel to without a visa include the Maldives, Seychelles, and Dominica. However, for most destinations, Pakistanis need to navigate strict visa requirements, which often include lengthy application processes and extensive documentation. For the majority of countries, Pakistani citizens are required to obtain a visa in advance. This applies to destinations in Europe, North America, and many parts of Asia. The visa application process often involves providing proof of financial stability, travel itineraries, invitation letters, and accommodation details. These requirements can be cumbersome, but they are a necessary step for those holding a Pakistani passport.

Afghanistan’s Passport Position

Afghanistan’s passport is ranked the weakest globally, at 104th. This position reflects the country’s internal instability and international relations challenges. Afghan citizens face some of the strictest travel restrictions, requiring visas for nearly all destinations. The lack of diplomatic relations with many countries adds to the complexity of obtaining travel visas.

Comparison Between Afghan and Pakistani Passport 

While both Pakistan and Afghanistan hold weak passport positions, Afghan travelers face even more significant restrictions than their Pakistani counterparts. Afghan citizens have fewer options for visa-free travel, and the process of obtaining visas for countries with which Afghanistan has strained relations is often more challenging and time-consuming.

Other Passport Rankings in Context

Beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan, other countries with weaker passports include nations from Africa and Asia. Countries such as Syria, Yemen, and Iraq also rank low on the global passport index. Like Pakistan and Afghanistan, citizens from these countries face considerable restrictions when traveling abroad.

Countries Ranked Close to Pakistan

Countries like Syria and Yemen rank closely to Pakistan on the passport index. These countries also offer limited visa-free access, and citizens from these nations often need to go through extensive visa application processes before traveling to most parts of the world.

Travel Freedom and Challenges for Pakistani Passport Holders

For Pakistani passport holders, travel freedom is a significant challenge. The limited number of countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival options makes international travel difficult. Pakistani travelers must plan their trips well in advance, often requiring weeks or even months to gather the necessary documents and secure a visa. The cost of visa applications can also be high, creating additional barriers for those wanting to travel abroad.

Potential Countries for Easier Travel

While many countries require visas from Pakistani citizens, there are still some nations where travel is more accessible. In addition to the Maldives and Seychelles, countries like Nepal and Kenya offer visas on arrival, making it easier for Pakistanis to visit these destinations without the hassle of applying for a visa beforehand.

In Summary

In conclusion, passport rankings provide a clear picture of the travel freedom afforded to citizens of different countries. While countries like Singapore enjoy immense travel freedom with their top-ranked passport, nations such as Pakistan and Afghanistan face significant barriers. For Pakistani citizens, visa requirements remain a substantial challenge when it comes to international travel, limiting their global mobility. However, despite these challenges, there are still countries that offer easier access, providing some relief for those looking to explore the world.

FAQs

• Which country has the strongest passport in 2024?
  Singapore holds the strongest passport in 2024, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 countries.
• What is Pakistan’s passport rank in 2024?
  Pakistan’s passport is ranked 102nd in the world in 2024.
• How many countries can Pakistani passport holders visit without a visa?
  Pakistani passport holders can travel to 32 countries without needing a visa or where a visa is issued upon arrival.
• Why does Afghanistan have the weakest passport?
  Afghanistan’s weak passport ranking is due to internal instability and strained diplomatic relations, leading to limited visa-free travel options.
• What are the main challenges for Pakistani travelers?
  Pakistani travelers face challenges such as lengthy visa application processes, high fees, and limited visa-free travel options