The power of a passport significantly influences a citizen’s ability to travel, work, and engage globally. While some passports offer extensive freedom to more than 190 countries with a visa, others are more restrictive, limiting international mobility.
According to the Henley Passport Index, a globally recognised ranking system that assesses passports based on the number of countries their holders can enter without a visa or with visa-on-arrival, here are countries with the least powerful passport as of 2025.
1. Afghanistan — 27 destinations
Sitting at the very bottom of the list, the Afghan passport is the weakest in the world. Holders of this passport have access to just 27 destinations without a visa or with visa-on-arrival. The reasons behind this are deeply tied to the nation’s long history of conflict, instability, and strained diplomatic relations. Continuous political turmoil, particularly after the Taliban’s resurgence, has left Afghanistan isolated, making it incredibly difficult for its citizens to travel freely. Many countries are wary of security risks, further restricting Afghan passport holders’ mobility.
2. Iraq — 29 destinations
Iraq’s passport ranks just above Afghanistan, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 29 countries. Decades of war, internal conflict, and ongoing security concerns have weakened Iraq’s diplomatic standing. Despite efforts by the government to stabilise the country and strengthen foreign relations, the lingering impact of terrorism and violence keeps its citizens’ travel options very limited. Many nations remain cautious about admitting Iraqi nationals without thorough vetting.
3. Syria — 30 destinations
Syria’s passport allows its citizens to travel to only 30 countries without a visa in advance. The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, devastated the nation’s infrastructure and fractured its diplomatic ties with much of the world. With millions displaced and security threats still looming, many countries maintain strict visa requirements for Syrians. This lack of global trust has heavily impacted their passport’s standing.
4. Pakistan — 46 destinations
The Pakistani passport ranks low on the global scale, granting access to 46 countries without a pre-approved visa. Political instability, terrorism-related concerns, and strained international relations have all contributed to this standing. Although Pakistan has made efforts to combat extremism and promote tourism, its passport power remains weak due to the country’s reputation for security risks and its tense relationships with key nations.
5. Yemen — 45 destinations
Yemen’s passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 45 countries. Years of civil war, economic collapse, and humanitarian crises have left Yemen diplomatically isolated. The conflict has not only crippled its internal structures but also severely limited its global mobility. Many countries fear security risks associated with the ongoing violence, making it difficult for Yemeni passport holders to travel freely.
6. Somalia — 44 destinations
Somalia ranks among the weakest passports, with access to 44 countries without a prior visa. The country has faced decades of conflict, piracy, and lawlessness, which have severely damaged its international reputation. Efforts to rebuild the government and improve security have been slow, leaving the Somali passport with little global recognition. As a result, most nations impose strict visa policies for Somali citizens.
7. Nepal — 55 destinations
Though Nepal is not a war-torn country like others on this list, its passport remains weak, allowing access to only 55 countries. The main reasons are economic instability and limited diplomatic ties with powerful nations. While Nepal maintains strong relationships with its neighbours, especially India and China, it struggles to negotiate visa-free access with more influential global players, keeping its passport relatively weak.
8. Bangladesh — 49 destinations
The Bangladeshi passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 49 countries. Economic struggles, corruption, and political unrest have all contributed to Bangladesh’s weak diplomatic standing. While the country has made strides in recent years, its passport remains limited, as wealthier nations are cautious about migration risks and impose strict visa controls on its citizens.
9. Libya — 50 destinations
Libya’s passport ranks among the weakest, with access to 50 destinations without prior visas. Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has been embroiled in violence and political chaos. The absence of a stable government has hindered Libya’s ability to form strong international relationships, further restricting its citizens’ travel freedoms. Security concerns remain a key factor in the passport’s low ranking.
10. North Korea — 40 destinations
North Korea’s passport rounds out the list, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 40 countries. The nation’s extreme isolationist policies and tense diplomatic relationships limit its citizens’ travel options. While North Koreans can enter a handful of countries like China and Russia without pre-approved visas, most nations restrict their movement due to concerns about the regime’s human rights abuses and unpredictable foreign policies.
