TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Passports, as a traveling essential to mark a person's nationality before entering a foreign land, have varying levels of visa-free access. Some countries have stronger passports, granting their holders access to hundreds of global destinations without requiring a visa. Meanwhile, holders of weaker passports will likely struggle to travel freely across the world.
Countries with the Weakest Passports in the World
Citing The Henley Passport Index, which provides monthly updates on worldwide passport strength, here are the countries with the weakest passports in the world as of 2025:
1. Afghanistan
With only 25 visa-free destinations out of 227 global destinations, Afghanistan is the weakest country in passport matters. Afghanistan ranks 101 out of 199 passports in the world.
2. Syria
Syria only provides 27 visa-free visits out of 277 global destinations. Syria holds the 100th position as of May 2025.
3. Iraq
Iraq itself only has 30 visa-free destinations, ranking 99th.
4. Yemen and Pakistan
Yemen and Pakistan are tied with 32 visa-free destinations, placing them both in rank 98.
5. Somalia
Somalia ranks 97th with 33 visa-free destinations.
Why Do Some Countries Have Weak Passports?
Quoted from Study International and Henley Global, here are several reasons why countries may possess weaker passports than others:
1. Unstable Domestic Situations
The weakening of a country's passport is usually caused by unstable political conditions, poor international diplomacy, and unfavorable foreign policies. For example, countries like Afghanistan engage in violence and armed conflict over the years, which burdens Afghan embassies. They cannot improve the country's visa standing as they need to prioritize political situations such as terrorism and civil unrest.
2. Poverty and Complex Social Issues
Another condition that affects the quality of a passport is domestic poverty and complex social issues. Hindering the access of passport holders from countries with higher poverty rates is deemed justifiable to prevent the rise in illegal workers in other countries.
3. Lower GDP
Low gross domestic product (GDP) is factored into granting visa-free permits to passport holders. In other words, high-GDP nations will create visitors with larger economic dividends that boost the destination country's trade, tourism, and investments.
Countries with high GDPs also have the privilege to visit many destinations because it minimizes the risks of illegal migration costs.
The above-mentioned issues are the strongest indicators in shaping the strength and quality of a passport. Whereas the form of the country and the adopted government have no impact whatsoever.
Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden explains that the form of government, whether democratic or authoritarian, has no significant correlation in influencing a passport.
Editor’s Choice: 5 Key Differences Between Regular and Electronic Passport
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Hun Sen Slams Developed Nations' Meddling in Developing Countries
17 hari lalu
Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, has criticized the intervention of developed countries in the internal affairs of developing nations.
March 2025 State Revenue Jumps by Rp200 Trillion, Says Finance Minister
23 hari lalu
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati reports that the state revenue reached Rp516.1 trillion by the end of March.
Pakistan Deports Over 84,000 Afghan Nationals in Repatriation Drive
34 hari lalu
Pakistan declared to have deported more than 84,000 Afghan citizens since late March, as part of its repatriation drive.
Rupiah Weakens to Rp16,837 per USD, Projected to Slip Further on Monday
37 hari lalu
On the next Monday's trade, the rupiah currency is predicted to close weaker in the range of Rp 16,830-16,890.
Ireland Tops 2025 Nomad Passport Index as the World's Strongest Passport
41 hari lalu
For the first time, Ireland holds the strongest passport in the 2025 Nomad Passport Index. How about Indonesia?
Late Goals Seal Indonesia U-17 Win Over Afghanistan in 2025 Asian Cup
42 hari lalu
Indonesia scored goals in extra time of the second half as the Young Garuda squad defeated Afghanistan 2-0 in the 2025 U-17 Asian Cup.
Indonesian U-17 National Team to Face Afghanistan in 2025 U-17 Asian Cup Tonight
43 hari lalu
The Indonesian U-17 national team will face Afghanistan in the 2025 U-17 Asian Cup tonight, having already secured a spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
10 Most Educated Countries in 2025, Singapore Leads
55 hari lalu
Discover the most educated countries exemplifying the power of strategic investment in education.
United Airlines' Plane Turns Back as Pilot Negligence
57 hari lalu
A United Airlines plane bound for China had to turn around and land in San Francisco because the pilot forgot to bring a passport.
Today's Top 3 News: Stocks Fall as Central Banks Flag Rising Global Risks
21 Maret 2025
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today, March 21, 2025.
