Pakistan’s passport has moved up the global travel freedom rankings, climbing to 98th place 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 authorization access to 31 destinations in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Oceania.
Among the destinations that can be accessed without a prior visa are Caribbean countries such as Barbados and Dominica, African states including Rwanda and Senegal, and South Pacific island nations such as Vanuatu and Samoa.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the improvement, saying in a post on X: “Pakistan’s pass ranking improving from 126th to 98th is a strong performance and this momentum will continue, InshaAllah.”
Pakistan’s pass ranking improving from 126th to 98th is a strong performance and this momentum will continue, InshaAllah.
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) 15 January 2026
Last year, Pakistan ranked 103rd. The rise reflects gradual diplomatic progress and new visa regimes that have slightly expanded international travel access for Pakistani nationals.
Screenshot from the Henley Passport Index showing a graph of Pakistan’s passport rankings over the years.
Despite the improvement, Pakistan’s passport remains among the weakest globally. It is tied with Yemen for 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 barriers to 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 close behind.
