Pakistan Passport Climbs Global Rankings—30 Countries Now Easier to Visit

What happened?

• Pakistan’s passport has climbed to 100th place in the latest Henley Passport Index 2026.

Who is affected?

• Pakistani citizens, including millions of expatriates living in the UAE, who are planning international travel.

Why does it matter?

• The improved ranking expands travel options to 30 destinations without requiring a traditional visa before departure, making international travel more convenient.

Pakistan Passport Climbs to 100th in Global Ranking, Offering Easier Travel to 30 Countries

Pakistani passport holders have received a welcome travel boost after the country’s passport climbed to 100th place in the latest Henley Passport Index 2026. According to Henley & Partners, the improvement gives Pakistani citizens access to 30 destinations through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The updated ranking is particularly significant for the large Pakistani community living in the UAE, many of whom travel frequently for holidays, family visits and business. With summer travel underway, the revised ranking offers more flexibility when planning international trips.

The Henley Passport Index, regarded as one of the world’s leading passport rankings, uses exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and evaluates the travel freedom of 199 passports across 227 destinations worldwide.

Pakistan records its best passport ranking in several years

The latest improvement marks Pakistan’s strongest position in years after a long period of fluctuating rankings.

According to Henley & Partners, Pakistan ranked:

• 107th in 2015
• 103rd in 2016
• 102nd in 2017
• 104th in 2018 and 2019
• 103rd in 2020
• 113th in 2021
• 108th in 2022
• 106th in 2023
• 101st in 2024
• 103rd in 2025
• 100th in 2026

Although the passport remains among the lower-ranked globally, the latest rise reflects gradual improvements in international mobility for Pakistani travellers.

Henley updates its rankings regularly to reflect changes in visa agreements and entry policies introduced by countries around the world.

Which countries can Pakistani passport holders visit more easily?

The updated ranking allows Pakistani passport holders to travel to 30 destinations without obtaining a traditional visa before departure.

Some destinations provide visa-free entry, while others offer visa-on-arrival or require travellers to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.

Popular destinations available under these arrangements include:

• Maldives
• Nepal
• Cambodia
• Barbados
• Dominica
• Rwanda
• Seychelles (ETA)
• Kenya (ETA)
• Sri Lanka (ETA)
• Samoa
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Vanuatu

Pakistani passport holders also have access to several countries offering e-visas, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Türkiye, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Bahrain, South Africa and the United Kingdom, subject to each country’s immigration requirements.

Travellers should always check the latest entry regulations before booking, as visa policies can change with little notice.

UAE continues to remain one of the world’s strongest passports

While Pakistan has improved its standing, the UAE continues to rank among the world’s most powerful passports.

The latest Henley Passport Index places the UAE alongside Japan and South Korea in second place, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations.

Singapore retained the number one position globally with access to 192 destinations, highlighting Asia’s continued dominance in global passport mobility.

The UAE’s consistently high ranking reflects its extensive diplomatic ties and growing network of international visa agreements, making it one of the easiest passports to travel with worldwide.

New Travel Opportunities for Pakistani Expats in the UAE

The improved passport ranking is especially relevant for the UAE, which is home to one of the world’s largest overseas Pakistani communities.

For many residents, easier access to selected destinations could simplify holiday planning, reduce paperwork and create more options for short international breaks during annual leave.

The development also comes as the UAE and Pakistan continue strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Earlier this year, both countries announced plans to introduce a pre-immigration clearance system for Pakistani travellers heading to the UAE. Under the proposed pilot programme, immigration and security checks would be completed before departure from Pakistan, helping streamline arrivals in the UAE once implemented.

Although the initiative is still being rolled out, it reflects broader efforts to improve travel efficiency between the two countries.

Passport rankings continue to evolve each year

Passport rankings are not permanent and change throughout the year as governments introduce new visa agreements or revise entry policies.

The Henley Passport Index updates its rankings regularly using official IATA travel data, making it one of the most closely followed global indicators of passport strength.

While Pakistan’s latest improvement is modest, it represents another step forward in expanding travel opportunities for its citizens.

Travellers are advised to confirm visa rules, passport validity requirements and any additional entry conditions with the relevant country’s immigration authority before making travel arrangements.

FAQs

What is Pakistan’s latest passport ranking?

Pakistan is ranked 100th in the latest Henley Passport Index 2026.

How many countries can Pakistani passport holders visit without a traditional visa?

Pakistani passport holders have access to 30 destinations through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Who publishes the Henley Passport Index?

The ranking is published by Henley & Partners using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Does visa-free access mean travellers need no documents?

Not always. Some destinations require an ETA or issue visas on arrival, while standard passport validity and other entry requirements still apply.

Why is this update important for UAE residents?

The UAE has a large Pakistani expatriate community, and the improved passport ranking provides more travel options for residents planning international holidays or family trips.

Pakistan’s rise to 100th place in the Henley Passport Index marks a positive step for the country’s global mobility. While the passport still trails many others, access to 30 destinations without a traditional pre-approved visa gives travellers greater flexibility and convenience. For the Pakistani community living in the UAE, the update comes at an ideal time as many begin planning overseas trips during the summer travel season.

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