Henley Index 2026 highlights a five-place jump for Pakistan, tying with Yemen at 98th and unlocking 31 visa-free destinations, as officials hail progress.
From Weak to Slightly Stronger: Pakistan's Passport Advances Five Places in 2026 Index:
Pakistan’s passport has climbed five spots to 98th in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, released on January 13, granting holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 31 destinations-a modest uptick from last year’s 33. This shift, driven by targeted diplomatic outreach, marks a rare positive note for a document long ranked among the world’s weakest, potentially easing travel burdens for over 240 million citizens amid economic strains. Yet, with Afghanistan at the bottom and regional peers far ahead, it underscores ongoing barriers tied to security perceptions, urging further reforms to boost global standing and economic ties.
Pakistan's Henley Passport Ranking Improves in 2026:
The Henley Passport Index, compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), evaluates 199 passports based on visa-free access to 227 destinations. For 2026, Pakistan’s ranking improved to 98th.
This adjustment reflects subtle enhancements in global mobility, with Pakistani citizens now able to visit 31 countries without prior visas or with on-arrival options-a drop from 33 in 2025, per some reports, but the ranking climb stems from comparative shifts among lower-tier passports.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi quickly celebrated the news on X, stating on January 15: “Pakistan’s passport ranking improving from 126th to 98th is a strong achievement, and this momentum will continue, InshaAllah.”
Economic & Human Impact of Passport Power: Pakistan's Ranking Reality and Hope for Change:
Pakistan’s passport has lingered near the bottom of global rankings for over a decade, primarily due to international concerns over security, terrorism, and political instability. Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration since 2024, efforts have focused on economic diplomacy, including visa reforms to attract tourism and investment.
This matters deeply in a country where remittances from overseas workers exceed $30 billion annually-over 8% of GDP. Easier travel could spur business and tourism, but the low ranking still hampers professionals, students, and families facing lengthy visa processes. Regionally, India ranks 80th with 55 visa-free spots, while UAE has soared 57 places over 20 years to 5th, showcasing the power of strategic alliance.
Pakistani travelers often endure scrutiny and rejections, limiting opportunities abroad. This ranking offers hope but highlights the need for broader reforms in governance and foreign policy to escape the “weak passport” cycle.
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