Which are the world’s 10 weakest passports?

Which are the world’s 10 weakest passports?

When it comes to international travel, having a strong passport can make a significant difference. A weak passport, on the other hand, can lead to frustration and difficulty when trying to enter other countries. According to a recent report by Henley & Partners, a leading global citizenship and residence advisory firm, some passports are stronger than others. The company’s Passport Index uses data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA) to rank passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without a visa or with a visa on arrival.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the world’s 10 weakest passports, as ranked by Henley & Partners. But before we dive in, it’s worth noting that the ranking is based on the number of destinations that allow visa-free travel or offer a visa on arrival. The ranking is not a reflection of the strength or quality of the passport itself, but rather its usefulness for international travel.

The Top 10 Weakest Passports

1. Afghanistan (102 destinations)
   Afghanistan’s passport is the weakest in the world, according to the Passport Index. With a total of 102 destinations that allow visa-free travel or offer a visa on arrival, Afghan citizens face significant challenges when traveling abroad. The country has been plagued by conflict and instability for decades, which has limited its diplomatic relations with other countries and made it difficult for its citizens to secure visas.
2. Syria (63 destinations)
   Syria’s passport is second on the list, with only 63 destinations that allow visa-free travel or offer a visa on arrival. The country has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2011, which has led to a significant decline in its diplomatic relations with other countries. Many countries have imposed travel bans on Syrian citizens, making it difficult for them to travel abroad.
3. Iraq (61 destinations)
   Iraq’s passport is third on the list, with 61 destinations that allow visa-free travel or offer a visa on arrival. The country has struggled with instability and terrorism since the US-led invasion in 2003, which has made it difficult for its citizens to travel abroad.
4. Yemen (54 destinations)
   Yemen’s passport is fourth on the list, with 54 destinations that allow visa-free travel or offer a visa on arrival. The country has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015, which has led to a significant decline in its diplomatic relations with other countries.
5. Pakistan (51 destinations)
   Pakistan’s passport is fifth on the list, with 51 destinations that allow visa-free travel or offer a visa on arrival. The country has struggled with terrorism and political instability, which has limited its diplomatic relations with other countries.
6. Somalia (43 destinations)
   Somalia’s passport is sixth on the list, with 43 destinations that allow visa-free travel or offer a visa on arrival. The country has been plagued by conflict and piracy, which has limited its diplomatic relations with other countries.
7. Nepal (40 destinations)
   Nepal’s passport is seventh on the list, with 40 destinations that allow visa-free travel or offer a visa on arrival. The country has struggled with political instability and economic development, which has limited its diplomatic relations with other countries.
8. Palestinian Territory (38 destinations)
   The Palestinian Territory’s passport is eighth on the list, with 38 destinations that allow visa-free travel or offer a visa on arrival. The country has struggled with political instability and limited recognition from other countries, which has made it difficult for its citizens to travel abroad.
9. Libya (36 destinations)
   Libya’s passport is ninth on the list, with 36 destinations that allow visa-free travel or offer a visa on arrival. The country has struggled with political instability and conflict since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
10. Bangladesh (35 destinations)
    Bangladesh’s passport is tenth on the list, with 35 destinations that allow visa-free travel or offer a visa on arrival. The country has struggled with political instability and limited diplomatic relations with other countries, which has made it difficult for its citizens to travel abroad.

The Strongest Passports

At the other end of the spectrum, Singapore’s passport is the strongest in the world, with visa-free access to 190 destinations. Other strong passports include Germany, Finland, and the United Kingdom, all of which offer visa-free travel to over 180 destinations.

Conclusion

While having a strong passport can make international travel easier, it’s not the only factor to consider. Other factors such as visa requirements, travel restrictions, and the country’s diplomatic relations with other countries can also impact the ease of travel. For those with weaker passports, there are still ways to make international travel easier, such as obtaining a second passport or exploring visa-free travel options.

Source

Henley & Partners. (2023). Passport Index: Ranking. Retrieved from https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index/ranking