Pakistan’s passport has improved its global travel ranking, rising to 98th place in the Henley Passport Index 2026, according to data released on Wednesday.
Compiled by London-based Henley & Partners using information from the International Air Transport Association, the index shows that Pakistani passport holders now enjoy visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorisation access to 31 countries across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Oceania.
Destinations accessible without prior visas include Caribbean nations such as Barbados and Dominica, African countries like Rwanda and Senegal, and South Pacific islands including Vanuatu and Samoa.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the improvement, saying in a post on X: “Pakistan’s passport ranking improving from 126th to 98th is a strong achievement, and this momentum will continue, InshaAllah.”
Last year, Pakistan was ranked 103rd. The rise reflects gradual diplomatic gains and new visa arrangements that have slightly expanded international travel access for Pakistani citizens.
Screenshot from the Henley Passport Index showing a graph of Pakistan’s passport rankings throughout the years.Screenshot from the Henley Passport Index showing a graph of Pakistan’s passport rankings throughout the years.
Despite the improvement, Pakistan’s passport remains among the weakest globally. It is tied with Yemen at 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 hurdles for 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 closely behind.
Source: Express Tribune
