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There is a positive development for Pakistani citizens as the country’s passport has seen an improvement in its international ranking. According to the latest data released by Henley & Partners, Pakistan now ranks 100th globally, marking a small but notable improvement in passport strength. This updated ranking places Pakistan alongside Somalia and Yemen, both of which share the same position on the global index.
Visa-Free or Visa-on-Arrival Access to 32 Countries
As per the Henley Passport Index, Pakistani passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 countries, up slightly from previous years. While still ranking in the lower tier globally, the expansion in travel access represents a gradual improvement in international mobility for Pakistani citizens.
The list includes a mix of African, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian countries. While travel to Europe and North America still generally requires visas for Pakistani citizens, the improved ranking offers a small boost to global travel opportunities.
Comparison to Previous Years
In prior editions of the Henley Passport Index, Pakistan’s passport had ranked as low as 104th out of 109 countries. The 2025 update pushes Pakistan up to 100th place, a symbolic shift that reflects growing bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagement.
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Although still near the bottom of the global list, the upward movement is being seen as a positive signal for continued improvements in the future—especially as Pakistan pursues broader global partnerships and visa facilitation agreements.
New Visa-Free Agreement with UAE for Diplomatic Passport Holders
In a separate but significant development, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a bilateral visa waiver agreement that allows holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries to travel visa-free.
The agreement is aimed at simplifying travel for government officials and strengthening the already deep-rooted diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, “This agreement will further facilitate high-level exchanges and official travel, fostering stronger diplomatic cooperation and institutional collaboration between Pakistan and the UAE.”
Implications for Bilateral Ties
The visa waiver is expected to enhance ease of movement for diplomats and public officials, especially in the context of frequent official visits, trade discussions, and regional cooperation initiatives. The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and is home to over 1.6 million Pakistani expatriates.
Observers say the move underscores the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Pakistan in areas such as investment, trade, labor, and regional security.
Henley Passport Index: How It Works
The Henley Passport Index is a globally recognized ranking of world passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The index is updated quarterly and uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Top-ranking passports on the 2025 index include countries like Japan, Singapore, Germany, and France, whose citizens enjoy visa-free access to over 190 countries. In contrast, lower-ranked passports such as Pakistan’s still face significant visa restrictions in much of the world.
Looking Ahead: Hope for Continued Progress
While Pakistan’s passport still has a long way to go to reach the middle or upper tier of the global ranking, the recent improvements are being viewed as encouraging. Continued diplomatic outreach, international cooperation, and bilateral agreements could gradually lead to more favorable travel conditions for Pakistani citizens.
Experts emphasize that sustained political stability, economic reforms, and positive foreign policy engagement will be crucial in building international confidence and improving the strength of the Pakistani passport over time.
