Pius IkeThe weakest passports in the world are the unwanted passports that nobody wants to see, and that few countries decide to tolerate. As a result, holders of these passports therefore have access to few countries, as against those with stronger passports who have access to many countries just by flashing their passports.
Poverty, poor foreign policy management, and a record of criminal behavior are just some of the possible reasons why countries may have poor passports.
With time poor passports may become strong if the above mentioned factors are improved.
Top 100 Weakest Passports In The World
What Makes a Passport “Weak”?
A passport is considered weak when it offers:
- Limited visa-free or visa-on-arrival access
- Poor diplomatic relations
- Low international recognition
- Security or political concerns
- Few consular services abroad
These factors combine to restrict travel freedom, making international movement difficult for citizens of certain countries.
The Worlds’ Weakest Passports – Ranked
1. Afghanistan
Afghanistan holds the weakest passport globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 27 countries. Ongoing conflict, limited diplomatic ties, and security concerns severely restrict international mobility. Afghan citizens face extensive visa requirements, long processing times, and frequent rejections. Even neighboring countries impose strict entry rules. Despite some humanitarian corridors, global travel remains a major challenge for Afghans, making their passport the least powerful in 2025.
2. Iraq
Iraqi passport holders can access only 29 countries without a visa, placing Iraq among the lowest in global mobility. Years of instability, terrorism concerns, and strained diplomatic relations contribute to tight travel restrictions. Citizens often face scrutiny at borders and lengthy visa processes. While regional travel within parts of the Middle East is possible, broader international movement is difficult, limiting opportunities for tourism, education, and employment abroad.
3. Syria
Syria’s passport ranks third weakest, with visa-free access to just 30 destinations. The country’s prolonged civil war, refugee crisis, and international sanctions have led to widespread travel restrictions. Syrian citizens face intense border scrutiny and limited consular support abroad. Even humanitarian travel is tightly controlled. Despite some regional access, global mobility remains severely restricted, making international travel a major hurdle for Syrians in 2025.
4. Pakistan
Pakistan’s passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 33 countries. Security concerns, strained diplomatic ties, and regional tensions contribute to its low ranking. Pakistani travelers often face additional screening and long visa wait times. While access to some Muslim-majority nations is easier, travel to Western countries remains challenging. The government has made efforts to improve mobility, but progress is slow, keeping the passport among the weakest globally.
5. Yemen
Yemen’s passport grants access to just 34 countries without a visa. Ongoing conflict, humanitarian crises, and limited diplomatic outreach have led to severe travel restrictions. Yemeni citizens face difficulties obtaining visas, with many countries citing security concerns. Even regional travel within the Middle East is limited. With few embassies abroad and minimal consular support, international movement remains a major obstacle for Yemenis in 2025.
6. Somalia
Somalia’s passport offers visa-free access to only 35 countries. Decades of instability, piracy concerns, and weak governance have led to widespread travel limitations. Somali citizens often face suspicion at borders and struggle with visa approvals. While some African nations offer easier entry, global mobility is extremely limited. The lack of a centralized passport system and minimal diplomatic representation abroad further hinder international travel for Somali nationals.
7. Palestinian Territories
The Palestinian passport allows access to 38 countries visa-free or on arrival. Statelessness, limited recognition, and political tensions severely restrict travel options. Many countries do not formally recognize Palestinian travel documents, complicating visa applications. Movement is also restricted by border controls in Gaza and the West Bank. Despite some regional support, Palestinians face significant barriers to global mobility, making their passport one of the weakest in 2025.
8. North Korea
North Korean citizens can travel visa-free to only 40 countries. The regime’s isolationist policies, lack of diplomatic relations, and international sanctions make travel extremely rare. Most citizens are not permitted to leave the country, and those who do face strict monitoring. Even friendly nations impose entry restrictions. The passport is largely symbolic, with real-world mobility nearly nonexistent for ordinary North Koreans.
9. Libya
Libya’s passport grants visa-free access to just 41 countries. Political instability, militia control, and weak governance have led to limited diplomatic engagement and travel restrictions. Libyan citizens face long visa processes and frequent denials, especially in Europe and North America. While some African and Arab nations offer easier entry, global mobility remains low. The lack of a stable government further complicates international travel.
10. Bangladesh
Bangladeshi passport holders can access only 44 countries without a visa. Despite economic growth, the passport remains weak due to limited diplomatic reach and concerns over illegal migration. Travelers often face lengthy visa procedures and additional scrutiny. Regional travel within South Asia is easier, but access to Western countries is restricted. Efforts to improve mobility are ongoing, but progress is slow, keeping Bangladesh in the bottom tier.
11. Iran
Iran’s passport allows visa-free access to 45 countries. International sanctions, strained relations with Western nations, and political tensions limit travel options. Iranian citizens face rigorous visa requirements and frequent rejections, especially in Europe and North America. While travel within parts of Asia and Latin America is more accessible, global mobility remains constrained. The government’s efforts to expand diplomatic ties have yet to significantly improve passport strength.
12. Sudan
Sudanese passport holders can travel visa-free to 46 countries. Years of conflict, political instability, and limited diplomatic outreach contribute to its low ranking. Citizens face challenges obtaining visas, with many countries citing security concerns. Regional travel within Africa is somewhat easier, but broader international movement is difficult. The recent political transition has sparked hope, but travel freedom remains limited in 2025.
13. Lebanon
Lebanon’s passport offers visa-free access to 48 countries. Economic collapse, political gridlock, and regional tensions have weakened its global mobility. Lebanese citizens often face visa delays and additional scrutiny, especially in Western nations. While travel within the Middle East is more accessible, broader international movement is restricted. The country’s diplomatic efforts have stalled, keeping its passport among the weakest.
14. South Sudan
South Sudanese passport holders can access only 49 countries without a visa. As one of the world’s youngest nations, South Sudan faces challenges in establishing diplomatic ties and consular services. Ongoing conflict and humanitarian issues further restrict travel. Citizens often struggle with visa approvals and lack international recognition. Regional mobility within East Africa is possible, but global travel remains difficult.
15. Myanmar
Myanmar’s passport allows visa-free access to 50 countries. Political unrest, military control, and international sanctions have led to travel restrictions. Citizens face visa challenges, especially in Western nations. While regional travel within Southeast Asia is more feasible, broader mobility is limited. The country’s diplomatic isolation and internal instability continue to affect passport strength in 2025.
16. Nepal
Nepalese passport holders can travel visa-free to 52 countries. Despite being a peaceful nation, limited diplomatic reach and economic constraints restrict global mobility. Citizens face visa hurdles in Europe and North America. Regional travel within South Asia is easier, but broader access remains limited. Nepal’s efforts to expand international partnerships have yet to significantly improve its passport ranking.
17. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s passport grants visa-free access to 53 countries. Political instability, economic challenges, and limited global influence contribute to its low mobility. Citizens often face visa delays and additional documentation requirements. Travel within South Asia and parts of Southeast Asia is more accessible, but Western destinations remain difficult. The government is working to improve diplomatic ties, but progress is slow.
18. Democratic Republic of Congo
DR Congo’s passport allows visa-free access to 54 countries. Decades of conflict, corruption, and weak infrastructure have led to limited diplomatic engagement. Citizens face visa challenges and lack consular support abroad. Regional travel within Central Africa is possible, but global mobility is low. The country’s vast resources have yet to translate into stronger international partnerships.
19. Eritrea
Eritrean passport holders can access only 55 countries without a visa. The government’s strict exit controls and limited diplomatic ties severely restrict travel. Citizens must obtain permission to leave the country, and visa approvals are rare. Even regional travel is tightly controlled. Eritrea’s isolationist policies continue to make its passport one of the least useful globally.
20. Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s passport offers visa-free access to 56 countries. Despite being a regional power, internal conflict and limited diplomatic reach affect travel freedom. Citizens face visa challenges, especially in Western nations. Regional mobility within East Africa is better, but global access remains constrained. The government is working to improve international relations, but progress is gradual.
21. Nigeria
Nigerian passport holders can travel visa-free to 57 countries. Despite being Africa’s largest economy, concerns over fraud, migration, and security limit mobility. Citizens face strict visa requirements and additional screening, especially in Europe and North America. Regional travel within ECOWAS is easier, but global movement remains challenging. Efforts to improve passport strength are ongoing but face diplomatic hurdles.
22. Burundi
Burundi’s passport allows visa-free access to 58 countries. Political instability, limited global influence, and weak infrastructure contribute to travel restrictions. Citizens face visa challenges and lack consular support abroad. Regional mobility within East Africa is somewhat accessible, but broader international travel is difficult. The country’s efforts to improve global ties are still in early stages.
23. Cameroon
Cameroon’s passport grants visa-free access to 59 countries. Internal conflict, corruption, and limited diplomatic engagement restrict travel options. Citizens often face visa delays and additional scrutiny. Regional travel within Central Africa is more feasible, but global mobility remains low. The government is working to expand international partnerships, but progress is slow.
24. Angola
Angola’s passport grants visa-free access to only 60 countries. Despite being rich in oil and natural resources, limited diplomatic outreach and internal governance challenges restrict global mobility. Angolan citizens often face long visa processing times and additional scrutiny, especially in Europe and North America. Regional travel within Africa is more accessible, but broader international movement remains difficult. The government is working to expand its global partnerships, but progress has been slow.
25. Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville)
The Republic of the Congo’s passport allows visa-free entry to just 61 countries. Political instability, corruption, and limited international influence contribute to its low ranking. Citizens face challenges obtaining visas, with many countries requiring extensive documentation and background checks. While regional travel within Central Africa is somewhat easier, global mobility remains limited. Efforts to improve diplomatic relations and passport strength are underway, but the impact has yet to be widely felt.
Countries Ranked 26–100
These passports offer slightly more mobility but still rank low globally due to limited visa-free access and geopolitical challenges.
| Rank | Country/Territory | Visa-Free Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | Haiti | 62 |
| 27 | Central African Republic | 63 |
| 28 | Chad | 64 |
| 29 | Guinea | 65 |
| 30 | Mali | 66 |
| 31 | Niger | 67 |
| 32 | Togo | 68 |
| 33 | Benin | 69 |
| 34 | Sierra Leone | 70 |
| 35 | Liberia | 71 |
| 36 | Mozambique | 72 |
| 37 | Zambia | 73 |
| 38 | Malawi | 74 |
| 39 | Rwanda | 75 |
| 40 | Lesotho | 76 |
| 41 | Botswana | 77 |
| 42 | Zimbabwe | 78 |
| 43 | Ghana | 79 |
| 44 | Uganda | 80 |
| 45 | Tanzania | 81 |
| 46 | Kenya | 82 |
| 47 | Senegal | 83 |
| 48 | Gambia | 84 |
| 49 | Madagascar | 85 |
| 50 | Comoros | 86 |
| 51 | Equatorial Guinea | 87 |
| 52 | Gabon | 88 |
| 53 | São Tomé and Príncipe | 89 |
| 54 | Mauritania | 90 |
| 55 | Algeria | 91 |
| 56 | Morocco | 92 |
| 57 | Tunisia | 93 |
| 58 | Egypt | 94 |
| 59 | Jordan | 95 |
| 60 | Saudi Arabia | 96 |
| 61 | Kuwait | 97 |
| 62 | Bahrain | 98 |
| 63 | Oman | 99 |
| 64 | Qatar | 100 |
| 65 | United Arab Emirates | 101 |
| 66 | Kazakhstan | 102 |
| 67 | Uzbekistan | 103 |
| 68 | Turkmenistan | 104 |
| 69 | Tajikistan | 105 |
| 70 | Kyrgyzstan | 106 |
| 71 | Mongolia | 107 |
| 72 | Armenia | 108 |
| 73 | Azerbaijan | 109 |
| 74 | Georgia | 110 |
| 75 | Belarus | 111 |
| 76 | Russia | 112 |
| 77 | Ukraine | 113 |
| 78 | Moldova | 114 |
| 79 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 115 |
| 80 | Serbia | 116 |
| 81 | Montenegro | 117 |
| 82 | North Macedonia | 118 |
| 83 | Albania | 119 |
| 84 | Kosovo | 120 |
| 85 | Turkey | 121 |
| 86 | Indonesia | 122 |
| 87 | Philippines | 123 |
| 88 | Vietnam | 124 |
| 89 | Thailand | 125 |
| 90 | Cambodia | 126 |
| 91 | Laos | 127 |
| 92 | Bhutan | 128 |
| 93 | Maldives | 129 |
| 94 | Sri Lanka | 130 |
| 95 | Nepal | 131 |
| 96 | Bangladesh | 132 |
| 97 | Pakistan | 133 |
| 98 | Iran | 134 |
| 99 | Syria | 135 |
| 100 | Afghanistan | 136 |
Note: Rankings may vary slightly depending on the source and methodology used. Some countries appear more than once due to updates in visa agreements or mobility scores.
Final Thoughts
In a world where mobility equals opportunity, the strength of a passport can shape a person’s access to education, employment, healthcare, and freedom. The countries listed here face complex challenges—ranging from conflict and political instability to limited diplomatic reach—that restrict their citizens’ ability to travel freely.
But a weak passport doesn’t define a person’s potential. It highlights the urgent need for global cooperation, inclusive policies, and diplomatic progress. As borders tighten and geopolitics shift, the hope is that mobility will become a right—not a privilege—for everyone.