The list of the world’s most powerful passports for the first half of 2026 has been released, once again highlighting major global travel inequalities. According to the latest rankings, Pakistan remains among the weakest passports in the world.
The rankings are published by Henley & Partners, which measures passport strength based on the number of destinations holders can access without a prior visa.
Top Strongest Passports in the World – 2026
An Asian country has claimed the top position once again.
1st Place – Singapore
Singapore holds the title of the world’s most powerful passport in 2026.
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Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access: 192 countries
2nd Place – Japan & South Korea
Both countries share the second position.
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Visa-free access: 188 countries
3rd Place – European Group
Denmark, Luxembourg, Sweden, Spain, and Switzerland share third place.
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Visa-free access: 186 countries
4th Place
Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, France, Germany, Norway, Finland, Greece, and the Netherlands
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Visa-free access: 185 countries
5th Place
Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates
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Visa-free access: 184 countries
Where Does Pakistan Rank in 2026?
Pakistan has been ranked among the four weakest passports globally.
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Global Rank: 98th
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Visa-free access: 31 countries
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Status: Fourth weakest passport in the world
The Pakistan passport shares the 98th position with Yemen. Only Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan rank lower.
Bottom of the Index
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Iraq – 99th
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Syria – 100th
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Afghanistan – 101st (weakest passport)
How Pakistan Compares Regionally
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Somalia: 97th
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Nepal: 96th
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Bangladesh: 84th
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India: 80th
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China: 59th
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Iran: 92nd
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Saudi Arabia: 54th
Why Passport Rankings Matter
Passport strength reflects more than just travel freedom. It is influenced by:
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Diplomatic relations
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Security perceptions
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Economic stability
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Immigration and visa policies
A weaker passport means more visa hurdles, higher travel costs, and longer processing times for citizens.
Big Picture
While Asian and European passports continue to dominate the top of the index, countries like Pakistan remain restricted by limited global mobility. Experts note that improvements in diplomacy, security, and international trust are key to long-term progress.
