As of mid‑2025, the Pakistani passport ranks 96th out of 199 on the Henley Passport Index, placing it among the four least powerful passports globally.
Mobility Score & Ranking
Pakistani citizens currently have visa‑free, visa‑on‑arrival, or e‑visa access to only 32 destinations worldwide.
This ties Pakistan with Somalia and Yemen, ranking them collectively as the fourth‑weakest passports in the index.
What Does This Mean?
Despite modest improvements, Pakistan remains at the bottom of global travel freedom rankings. Only Afghanistan (25), Syria (27), and Iraq (30 destinations) rank below Pakistan. Meanwhile, the top passports like Singapore (193), Japan and South Korea (190), and several EU nations (189‑188) highlight a stark contrast in mobility access.
Where Can Pakistanis Travel Without Prior Visa?
While a complete destination list isn’t in the public domain, typical visa‑free, visa‑on‑arrival or e‑visa countries include smaller nations in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Notably, Pakistani citizens still require pre‑travel visas for major economies across Europe, North America, Australia and many other destinations.
How Did We Get Here?
In 2024, Pakistan was tied at 100th place with visa‑free access to 34 countries.
By 2025, its rank improved slightly to 96th but visa‑free access decreased to 32 destinations, indicating some shifts in classification or access policy.
In regional comparisons, Pakistan’s global mobility remains significantly lower than South Asian peers like India, which ranked 77th with access to 59 countries as of late July 2025. –Gulf News
Understanding the Challenges
Diplomatic Agreements: Many countries which granted visa easing to Pakistan in past years are now tightening entry protocols.
Security and Bureaucracy: Technical delays, stricter immigration norms, and visa complexity have hindered travel access.
Regional Dynamics: Pakistan remains behind regional peers in forging visa‑waiver pacts and mobility agreements.
Key Stats at a Glance
| Category | Pakistan (2025) |
|---|---|
| Global Rank | 96 / 199 (4th‑worst globally) |
| Destinations Access | 32 (visa‑free, visa‑on‑arrival, or e‑visa) |
| Comparable Nations | Somalia, Yemen (also on 32) |
| Countries Ranked Lower | Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq |
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Improvement
Strengthen bilateral ties and negotiate more visa‑waiver agreements, especially with nations in strategic economic zones.
Investment in passport services: Pakistan has already launched the e‑passport with enhanced security features in 2024–25, and modernizing issuance may build trust and mobility.
Regional collaborations: Joining frameworks that facilitate intra‑Asia mobility or multilateral visa programs may offer pathways for access expansion.
Conclusion
The Pakistani passport in 2025 clearly reflects challenges in global mobility, burdened by low ranking and limited destination access. While the introduction of e‑passports marks progress in security infrastructure, the country requires renewed diplomatic efforts to elevate travel freedom.
With only 32 destinations accessible visa‑free or on‑arrival, Pakistani passport holders face substantial mobility limitations, underscoring the urgency for strategic policy and international engagement.