Pakistan’s passport has improved its global ranking, climbing to 98th position in the Henley Passport Index 2026, up from 100th last year. The rise, tied with Yemen, reflects Pakistan’s growing diplomatic engagement and new international agreements, gradually expanding travel freedom for its citizens.

Pakistani passport holders can now access 31 countries across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Oceania through visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eTA facilities. Visa-free countries include Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, Micronesia, Montserrat, Rwanda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu. Visa-on-arrival access is available for Burundi, Cambodia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nepal, Qatar, Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Timor-Leste, among others. Meanwhile, Kenya, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka offer eTA access, covering a mix of tropical islands, African safaris, South Asian cultural hubs, and Pacific destinations.

To enhance efficiency, Pakistan introduced a Digital Integrated Dashboard for real-time tracking of passport applications, printing, and delivery. The modernized passport design, featuring landmarks from all four provinces, combines security and aesthetics, showcasing Pakistan’s cultural heritage globally.

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Globally, Singapore retains the world’s strongest passport, granting access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea. The UAE entered the top five, while the US slipped to 10th. India ranks 80th, offering access to 55 countries, and Afghanistan remains the weakest with access to just 24 destinations.

Experts say the improvement highlights Pakistan’s steady progress in global mobility and travel opportunities, enhancing convenience for citizens and strengthening the country’s international presence.