In the realm of international travel, having a powerful passport can be a liberating experience, granting visa-free access to numerous countries. Conversely, a weaker passport can restrict one’s mobility, making international travel a cumbersome process. Unfortunately, for Pakistani passport holders, the latter holds true. The Green Passport of Pakistan has yet again been ranked as the fourth worst passport globally, according to the latest Henley Passport Index for Q3 2023 published by Henley and Partners, a well-known London-based passport guidance organization.
The Disappointing Ranking
The ranking in the Henley Passport Index is based on the number of countries that passport holders can access without requiring a prior visa. With a ranking of 100, Pakistani passport holders can currently enjoy visa-free access to only 33 countries. This limited access to global destinations places the Pakistani passport among the least powerful in the world.
Consistent Struggle for Pakistani Passport
Regrettably, this ranking is not an isolated incident. For several years, the Pakistani passport has consistently maintained a low position in the global ranking. The only passports deemed worse than Pakistan’s are from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Several other countries, including Yemen, Somalia, Palestine, Nepal, North Korea, Libya, Kosovo, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, have comparatively better passport rankings.
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The Top 10 Best Passports
On the flip side, the Henley Passport Index also highlights the most powerful passports in the world. At the top of the list is Singapore, offering its citizens visa-free access to an impressive 192 countries. Germany, Italy, and Spain share the second position with 190 countries accessible without visas. The third position is held by Austria, Finland, France, Japan, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Sweden, allowing visa-free entry to 189 countries.
A Look at the 10 Best and Worst Passports
Below is a concise breakdown of the 10 best and worst passports, based on their rankings and the number of countries their holders can access visa-free:
10 Best Passports
| Passport | Rank | Visa-Free Access (Countries) |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 1 | 192 |
| Germany, Italy, Spain | 2 | 190 |
| Austria, Finland, France, Japan, Luxembourg, South Korea, Sweden | 3 | 189 |
| Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, UK | 4 | 188 |
| Belgium, Czech Republic, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland | 5 | 187 |
| Australia, Hungary, Poland | 6 | 186 |
| Canada, Greece | 7 | 185 |
| Lithuania, US | 8 | 184 |
| Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia | 9 | 183 |
| Estonia, Iceland | 10 | 182 |
10 Worst Passports
| Passport | Rank | Visa-Free Access (Countries) |
|---|---|---|
| Kosovo | 94 | 42 |
| Libya, Sri Lanka | 95 | 41 |
| Bangladesh | 96 | 40 |
| North Korea | 97 | 39 |
| Nepal, Palestine | 98 | 38 |
| Somalia, Yemen | 99 | 35 |
| Pakistan | 100 | 33 |
| Syria | 101 | 30 |
| Iraq | 102 | 29 |
| Afghanistan | 103 | 27 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Henley Passport Index for Q3 2023 has placed the Pakistani passport in an unfortunate position, ranking it as the fourth worst passport in the world. Pakistani citizens currently have visa-free access to only 33 countries, limiting their travel options significantly. While this ranking might be discouraging, it is essential to acknowledge the efforts made by governments to improve diplomatic relations and enhance the power of their passports.
