Pakistan’s Passport Ranked Fourth-Worst Globally in 2025 Henley Index

(PAKISTAN) Pakistan’s travel document remains among the world’s weakest for cross-border mobility, as the 2025 Henley Passport Index places the Pakistan passport at the 103rd position out of 106, tied with Yemen, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 31 destinations. The latest ranking, released for 2025, marks the fifth straight year the document sits near the bottom of the global table, underscoring the limited travel freedom available to most Pakistani citizens and the lack of movement in recent years to improve that standing.

The Henley Passport Index evaluates 199 passports against 227 destinations using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The score reflects the number of places a passport holder can enter without a prior visa or where a visa-on-arrival or electronic travel authorization (often called an ETA) applies. In simple terms, a higher score means easier travel planning, shorter airport lines, and fewer weeks spent gathering bank statements, invitation letters, or other paperwork before a trip.

Ranking snapshot

Several countries sit below Pakistan, but only a few. The index lists:

• Iraq at 104th with access to 29 destinations
• Syria at 105th with 26 destinations
• Afghanistan at 106th (last) with 24 destinations

That leaves Pakistan just above the very bottom group, and still far behind regional peers. For comparison within the neighborhood:

• China — 64th with 82 destinations
• India — 98th with 57 destinations
• Iran — 85th with 41 destinations

At the other end of the table, the spread is stark:

• Singapore leads the 2025 list with visa-free access to 193 destinations
• South Korea follows with 190 destinations
• Japan has 189 destinations
• A cluster of European countries share the next spots, with 187–188 destinations

For many Pakistani families planning study, medical treatment, business trips, or religious travel, these figures are not just statistics—they translate into real choices, costs, and timelines.

Why Pakistan’s ranking has been stagnant

Pakistan’s position has now been a stubborn reality for half a decade. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the lack of movement shows how difficult it is to expand visa-free access without:

• sustained diplomatic deals
• robust security cooperation
• reciprocal confidence-building with partner states

While the index does not evaluate domestic policy quality directly, it often reflects how governments and border agencies around the world view risk, document integrity, and return rates for short-term visitors.

What this means for travelers

For ordinary travelers, the ranking translates into practical hurdles. A Pakistan passport usually requires securing a visa before departure to most popular destinations. That means:

• Longer lead times to book flights, because visa appointments and processing must happen first
• Higher costs, including application fees, courier charges, translations, and sometimes legal or travel agent help
• Greater uncertainty, since embassy backlogs or extra checks can delay trips

Students, entrepreneurs, and medical travelers bear much of this burden:

• A student admitted to a foreign university might face tight deadlines to join orientation or start classes.
• A business owner pursuing a trade fair or supplier meeting may have to cancel plans if a visa slot doesn’t open in time.
• Families arranging a relative’s treatment abroad often must coordinate doctor schedules with embassy timelines, then rebook if approvals arrive late.

It’s also a challenge for small and mid-size businesses that aim to grow exports. Frequent travel builds trust, and trust drives orders. When a passport requires frequent pre-approvals, companies tend to limit in-person visits and rely on video calls, which can slow deal-making. Over time, that weighs on trade ties and professional networks—advantages that countries with stronger passports take for granted.

The Henley methodology, anchored in IATA’s global database, focuses on entry permission simplicity. It does not measure processing speed or approval rates. Still, the comparison helps policymakers see where the Pakistan passport sits in the global system and what steps might shift its standing—even modestly.

Reforms that can build confidence with partner governments include:

• strengthening border data-sharing
• improving lost or stolen passport reporting
• tightening document issuance procedures

Such technical improvements sometimes open doors to visa-free access or streamlined visitor visas.

Regional perspective and benchmarks

The regional picture tells its own story. India’s wider reach (57 destinations) offers a nearby benchmark—while still behind global leaders, it gives Indian travelers more flexibility in parts of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. China’s reach (82 destinations) reflects extensive bilateral deals and the size of its global footprint. Iran’s position (41) shows that even countries under sanctions can secure travel corridors when they maintain targeted visa arrangements.

For Pakistani travelers, planning ahead remains essential. Practical tips include:

• Check the host country’s official immigration site for up-to-date rules, fees, and processing times.
• Monitor appointment availability and start visa processes early.
• Keep your passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
• Gather supporting documents early, including bank statements, employment letters, and invitations.
• If seeking multiple-entry visas, bring proof of travel history, business ties, or family reasons.

Officials often stress that passport integrity underpins any attempt to grow travel access. Pakistan’s systems for issuance, renewal, and security checks matter in talks with partner states that weigh visa-free access or ETAs. Travelers can review passports, fees, and validity guidance through the government’s Directorate General of Immigration & Passports: https://www.dgip.gov.pk, which provides official information on application processes and service options inside the country and at missions abroad.

Practical advice for travel under tight rules

There are sensible steps travelers can take even under tight visa regimes:

• Focus on destinations that allow e-visas or visas-on-arrival to reduce pre-departure hurdles.
• Maintain a clear travel history—well-organized past trips can support future applications.
• Keep consistent documentation across bank statements, employment letters, and property or business records.
• Avoid last-minute changes that force reprinting or re-verification.
• If refused once, read the refusal note carefully, address the stated concerns, and reapply only when new evidence answers the specific issue.

Outlook and final takeaway

As the year progresses, any improvement will likely come from targeted bilateral talks rather than a sudden leap. Even a handful of new visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreements could nudge the Pakistan passport up a notch, saving travelers days of preparation.

For now, the ranking stands: a low position (103rd with 31 destinations), little movement, and a clear signal that meaningful gains require steady, patient work at the diplomatic and technical levels.