According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, etc. have the weakest passports.
These nations face significant mobility restrictions due to political instability, security concerns, and strained international relations.
Our full evaluation of the worst passports draws on data from the Henley Passport Index, Passportindex.org, and the Nomad Capitalist Passport Index.
While rankings may vary slightly, the bottom countries remain largely the same across all three.
Global passport strength varies dramatically across nations, creating stark disparities in international mobility opportunities.
Citizens from countries with weak passports often face extensive visa requirements, lengthy application processes, and frequent travel restrictions.
These limitations significantly impact their ability to conduct business, pursue education, or engage in tourism abroad.
In this article, we are going to discuss:
- What are the 4 colors of passports?
- What is the Global Passport Index?
- Countries with the worst passports
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
What Do Passport Colors Mean?
Passport colors serve as more than mere aesthetic choices; they represent national identity, regional affiliations, and historical connections.
Countries typically select from four primary colors: green, red, blue, and black, each carrying distinct symbolic meanings and cultural significance.
The color selection process reflects a nation’s political preferences, cultural values, and desired regional associations.
Greenpassports dominate among Muslim-majority nations, representing the Prophet Muhammad’s favorite color according to Islamic tradition.
Red and burgundy passports represent the most popular color choice globally, particularly among European Union member states.
Blue passports symbolize the “new world” countries and represent freedom, stability, and progress.
Black passports remain the rarest choice globally, primarily selected by certain African nations, including Botswana, Zambia, Burundi, Gabon, Angola, Chad, Congo, and Malawi.
The selection of passport colors extends beyond symbolism to practical considerations.
Countries may choose colors that align with their national flags, represent their geographic region, or distinguish their documents from neighboring nations.
Some nations periodically change their passport colors to reflect political transitions, new regional alliances, or security enhancements.
Understanding passport colors provides insight into global political dynamics, cultural values, and international relationships.
These visual identifiers help immigration officials quickly assess a traveler’s origin while reflecting the issuing nation’s desired international image and regional affiliations.
Note: Contrary to some misconceptions, the color of a passport has nothing to do with the passport’s strength.
What is the Global Passport Index?
The Global Passport Index represents a comprehensive ranking system that measures and compares the relative strength of passports worldwide.
These indices evaluate passport power based on the number of destinations holders can visit without obtaining a visa in advance.
The methodology considers visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival arrangements, and electronic travel authorizations to calculate overall mobility scores.
Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index stands as the most widely recognized ranking system, measuring 199 global passports across 227 travel destinations.
This index sources its data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ensuring accuracy and reliability in its assessments.
Each Mobility Score reflects the number of countries accessible visa-free or via a visa‑on‑arrival/eTA.
The economic value-added counterpart, Passport Power Index, calculates the share of global GDP accessible without prior visas.
Then, it offers a percentage-based metric out of 100.
Nomad Capitalist Passport Index
The Nomad Passport Index, initiated in 2017, evaluates 199 citizenships through a multifaceted, five-pronged methodology.
It is particularly tailored for global citizens like entrepreneurs and digitally nomadic investors. The methodology is as follows:
- Visa‑Free Travel (50%) – Uses government, consular, and real‑time research data to calculate MobilityScore.
- Taxation (20%) – Assessed via official tax laws and Nomad Capitalist’s expert network, measuring personal and corporate tax policies.
- Global Perception (10%) – Drawn from metrics like the Human Development Index and qualitative insights.
- Dual Citizenship (10%) – Based on embassy rules and legal frameworks.
- Personal Freedom (10%) – Judges press freedom, surveillance, and conscription using media reports and global indices.
Combined, these yield a Nomad Passport Score (out of ~110 points).
Top performers (e.g., Switzerland, Ireland, Portugal) excel across multiple pillars, while passports from autocratic or conflict-affected nations rank poorly.
PassportIndex.org
Passport Index was launched in 2014 by Arton Capital, a Montreal-based global citizenship advisory firm.
It offers a real-time, dynamic ranking of 193 UN member states plus six territories.
This extensive ranking is done by tracking how many countries each passport allows access to visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or via eTA, with live data updates as policies change.
The platform presents a Visa‑Free Score, awarding one point per accessible destination, and a Welcoming Score, measuring how open each country is to foreign nationals.
Its World Openness Score tracks global travel freedom trends over time.
With over 65 million views by 2020, it has become the “undisputed global reference” for passport power and global mobility insights.
The methodology is built on official government data, IATA Timatic, and proprietary research, ensuring accuracy and currency
Passport rankings fluctuate annually due to changing international relations, diplomatic agreements, and political developments.
Countries may gain or lose visa-free access based on bilateral negotiations, security concerns, or economic partnerships.
For example, India’s ranking has shown significant variation over recent years, reaching its highest position of 71st in 2006 and dropping to its lowest at 90th in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Technical factors influencing passport rankings include diplomatic relationships, economic stability, security cooperation, and migration concerns.
Countries with strong economies, stable governments, and positive international relations typically enjoy higher rankings and greater global mobility.
Conversely, nations experiencing political instability, security challenges, or international sanctions often face restricted travel privileges.
Which Country Has the Weakest Passport?
Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, and Pakistan are ranked as the weakest passports globally in 2025, regardless of the specific ranking methodology chosen.
These nations face severe restrictions on international travel, with their citizens encountering extensive visa requirements and limited mobility options.
The ranking of the weakest passports reflects complex geopolitical factors, including diplomatic relations, security concerns, and international sanctions.
Each of the passport indexes has different methodologies as to how they ranked the passports.
Therefore, we will discuss all three lists to compare the weakest passports for a better comprehension.
5 Weakest Passports Ranked by The Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index is the original and most authoritative passport index, with historical data spanning 19 years.
The 5 weakest passports according to the Henley Passport Index are Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Somalia.
Other countries at the bottom of this list include Pakistan, Libya, the Palestinian Territory, Eritrea, etc.
The ranking is based on data provided by the IATA, and it is supplemented, enhanced, and updated using extensive in-house research and open-source online data.
1. Afghanistan (103rd)
Access: 25
According to the Henley Passport Index, Afghan passport holders can enter just 25 destinations without a pre-arranged visa, making it the world’s weakest.
The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 further eroded international recognition.
Additionally, widespread concerns over human rights and security have led most countries to impose stringent visa procedures.
Even regional neighbors offer only limited/conditional entry, and applicants face comprehensive background checks, lengthy processing times, and uncertain outcomes.
2. Syria (102nd)
Access: 27
In 102nd place, Syrian citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 27 countries.
The protracted civil war and international sanctions have decimated Syria’s diplomatic ties, forcing many governments to treat Syrian applicants as potential security risks.
Those few visa-friendly nations are predominantly fellow Arab League members or states with historical ties; even these require detailed documentation and unusually long approval periods.
3. Iraq (101st)
Access: 30
Ranked 101st, Iraq’s passport permits entry to just 30 destinations.
Decades of conflict and sectarian violence have undermined its global standing and eroded trust among foreign governments.
While some neighboring and Muslim‑majority countries maintain visa‑on‑arrival arrangements, applicants still face rigorous screening.
Businesspeople and students routinely encounter protracted processes that impede academic exchanges and commercial activities.
4. Yemen (100th)
Access: 32
Yemen’s passport sits at 100th, granting its holders access to only 32 destinations.
Persistent internal conflict and a fractured government leave many visa-granting authorities wary.
Visa-free entry is largely limited to a handful of Caribbean and African states.
Even where a visa‑on‑arrival is technically available, travelers report frequent delays and unexpected documentary requirements.
5. Somalia (100th)
Access: 32
Also ranked 100th, Somalia offers the same 32 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations as Yemen.
Chronic instability, weak governance, and concerns about piracy and terrorism severely limit Somali citizens’ mobility.
African Union members and a small selection of island nations constitute the bulk of accessible countries.
However, in practice, inconsistent implementation of visa-on-arrival policies often leads to last-minute denials.
5 Weakest Passports Ranked by The Nomad Passport Index
The Nomad Capitalist Passport Index was created to highlight the best to worst citizenships in the world.
The 5 weakest passports according to the Nomad Passport Index are Afghanistan, Yemen, Eritrea, Iraq, and Pakistan.
Other countries at the bottom of this list include Syria, Somalia, North Korea, Libya, and so on.
1. Afghanistan
Rank: 199
Score: 27
Travel: 40
Taxation: 20
Perception: 10
Dual Citizenship: 10
Freedom: 10
Afghanistan ranks dead last, scoring just 27 out of 100 in the Nomad Passport Index.
Its travel score of 40 reflects limited visa-free agreements, while onerous tax laws and international suspicions drag down its overall rating.
Dual‑citizenship options are minimal, and ongoing conflict severely curtails personal freedoms, making it the least attractive citizenship by all metrics.
2. Yemen
Rank: 198
Score: 30.5
Travel: 47
Taxation: 20
Perception: 10
Dual Citizenship: 10
Freedom: 10
Yemen’s fractured governance and humanitarian crisis earn it the second-lowest rank.
Moderate travel access is offset by punitive taxation rules for expatriates, negative global perception, and almost nonexistent dual‑citizenship pathways
The absence of basic civil liberties under a fragile regime further suppresses its score.
3. Eritrea
Rank: 197
Score: 31
Travel: 52
Taxation: 10
Perception: 10
Dual Citizenship: 10
Freedom: 10
Eritrea is the third place from the bottom.
Its travel score of 52 is marginally higher.
Anyhow, its draconian tax structure, tight government control, and lack of freedom of movement and expression solidify its low standing.
Dual citizenship is restricted, and global perception remains overwhelmingly negative.
4. Iraq
Rank 196
Score 31.5
Travel 45
Taxation 20
Perception 10
Dual Citizenship 30
Freedom 10
Iraq’s score reflects shaky travel privileges and moderate taxation burdens.
Its relatively higher dual‑citizenship score stems from recent legal reforms, but widespread corruption, security challenges, and restricted civil liberties undercut its appeal.
Global perception remains cautious due to ongoing instability.
5. Pakistan
Rank: 195
Score: 32
Travel: 46
Taxation: 20
Perception: 10
Dual Citizenship: 30
Freedom: 10
Pakistan edges out Iraq by a hair in the Nomad Passport Index.
While its travel score is slightly better, complex tax codes for overseas citizens and geopolitical tensions weigh heavily.
Recent improvements in consular outreach have bolstered dual‑citizenship options.
Nevertheless, human‑rights concerns and constrained personal freedoms continue to limit its attractiveness.
5 Weakest Passports Ranked by The Passport Index
As per The Passport Index’s Passport Power Rank, the 5 weakest passports are Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, and Pakistan.
Other countries at the bottom of this list include Yemen, the Palestinian Territories, Bangladesh, North Korea, etc.
1. Afghanistan
Passport Power Rank: 100
Visa‑Free: 6
Visa‑On‑Arrival: 34
Visa Required: 158
Afghanistan’s MS of 40 (6 + 34) places it at the bottom with the least Passport Power Rank. The tiny visa-free tally underscores near‑total reliance on visas, while convoluted arrival procedures and stringent security checks further impede travelers.
Most destinations mandate pre-travel visas, and only a handful provide conditional entry on arrival.
2. Syria
Passport Power Rank: 100
Visa‑Free: 9
Visa‑On‑Arrival: 31
Visa Required: 158
With an MS of 40 as well, Syria shares the lowest rank.
Its nine visa-free destinations are among the same limited cohort of Arab and smaller nations.
Visa‑on‑arrival options offer some relief, but heavy paperwork and unpredictable implementation make planning arduous.
3. Iraq
Passport Power Rank: 99
Visa‑Free: 11
Visa‑On‑Arrival: 34
Visa Required:153
Iraq scores an MS of 45.
Eleven visa-free countries are mostly neighbors or fellow Muslim‑majority states.
Thirty-four visa-on-arrival agreements marginally ease entry, but extensive vetting and sporadic policy shifts impose uncertainty on travelers.
4. Somalia
Passport Power Rank: 99
Visa‑Free: 12
Visa‑On‑Arrival: 33
Visa Required: 153
Somalia’s MS of 45 matches Iraq’s.
Its dozen visa-free destinations are concentrated in Africa and select island nations.
Although 33 visa-on-arrival links exist, inconsistent enforcement and sudden restrictions often leave travelers stranded or delayed.
5. Pakistan
Passport Power Rank 98
Visa‑Free 12
Visa‑On‑Arrival 34
Visa Required 152
Pakistan is the fifth from the bottom with an MS of 46.
Beyond twelve visa-free locations, thirty-four countries offer visas on arrival.
Nevertheless, the large number of destinations requiring pre-travel visas underscores the country’s limited travel freedom and the administrative burden on its citizens.
Note: There might be some discrepancy between the visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to these countries in each list. This is primarily because each list is created based on different methodologies.
At the same time, they might be considering additional factors like e-visa, time frame, etc., as per their ranking methodology.
It is important to conduct due diligence and seek professional advice for exact information.
FAQs
What is the Weakest Passport in Asia?
Asia’s weakest passports belong to Afghanistan and Pakistan, which rank among the bottom five globally in passport strength rankings.
Afghanistan holds the distinction of having the world’s weakest passport, while Pakistan ranks 98th internationally.
These countries face significant diplomatic challenges, security concerns, and political instability that severely limit their citizens’ international mobility options.
Several other Asian nations also experience relatively weak passport rankings, though not to the extreme extent of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar face various restrictions due to economic factors, political instability, or governance challenges.
What is the Weakest Passport in Africa?
Somalia ranks among the weakest passports globally at 97th position, reflecting the country’s fragmented governance and persistent security concerns.
Other African nations with relatively weak passports include various countries affected by civil wars, authoritarian rule, or international sanctions.
Countries like Chad, Congo, Mali, and Burundi often rank lower in passport strength due to political instability, security challenges, and limited diplomatic relationships.
Africa’s weakest passports typically belong to countries experiencing political instability, ongoing conflicts, or economic challenges that undermine their international standing.
What is the Weakest Passport in Europe?
Countries outside the EU or experiencing diplomatic tensions may have relatively weaker passport rankings compared to their regional neighbors.
Nations like Belarus and Russia have experienced declining passport strength.
This is mainly due to international sanctions and diplomatic tensions resulting from various conflicts and human rights concerns.
However, Europe generally enjoys strong passport rankings due to the European Union’s unified approach to international relations and travel facilitation.
Conclusion
The analysis of the world’s weakest passports in 2025 reveals significant disparities in global mobility that reflect underlying political, security, and economic challenges.
Afghanistan holds the position of having the world’s weakest passport, followed closely by Syria, Iraq, Somalia, and Pakistan.
These rankings demonstrate how political instability, ongoing conflicts, and international sanctions can severely restrict citizens’ fundamental right to travel and pursue opportunities abroad.
Key takeaways:
- From this comprehensive analysis, the passport strength directly correlates with international relations, political stability, and economic development.
- Countries experiencing civil wars, authoritarian governance, or diplomatic isolation invariably see their passport rankings suffer, creating barriers for their citizens’ global mobility.
- The consequences extend beyond individual inconvenience to broader economic and social impacts, limiting educational exchanges, business development, and cultural connections.
Global passport indexes provide valuable insights into international mobility patterns and diplomatic relationships.
The regional analysis highlights significant variations within continents, with Asia showing extreme disparities between top-ranked Singapore and bottom-ranked Afghanistan.
Africa demonstrates similar diversity, while Europe generally maintains strong passport rankings due to regional integration and political stability.
These patterns underscore the importance of good governance, international cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution in maintaining strong passport rankings.
We compared the Most Powerful Passports in the World (2025) using the same top indexes—Henley, PassportIndex, and Nomad Capitalist.
As global interconnectedness continues growing, passport strength will remain a crucial factor in determining individual and national access to international opportunities and global participation.
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