Passport Wars! Nepal Overtakes Pakistan, India’s Ranking Takes an Unexpected Hit

The thing we probably can't take out of the door when thinking of travelling is one of the most prized possessions - your passport. With a passport these days not just an ID, it really is the key to travel globally, and indeed, how 'strong' is your passport because of how many visa-free countries can you travel to?.
Every year, the Henley Passport Index reveals the rankings, showing how passports stack up around the world in terms of visa-free access. The latest update has shaken things up, with countries like Singapore holding the top position, and Pakistan still lagging far behind.
With its ability to grant visa-free entry to 195 countries, Singapore's passport continues to hold its title as the most powerful passport in the world. This small yet powerful country has a futuristic skyline, luxury shops, and low crime rates. But Singapore's economic might places it firmly at the top, so it's not simply a lovely face.
Japan was ranked #1 in 2024, and now it's comfortably sitting in the second place. Its passport allows entry into 193 countries, thus firmly keeping it in the top tier. Of course, don't forget how quickly the rankings change – last year it was Japan, and this year it is Singapore.
South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Finland stands at the third position, the country's resident is allowed visa-free travel into 192 countries. Austria, Ireland, Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands are standing at the fourth position, its residents are allowed into 191 countries. New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, the UK, and Belgium have tied in the fifth position as they offer visa-free travel into 190 countries.
Sadly, Pakistan is ranked 103rd, at the bottom of the list. The passport of Pakistan is among the least competitive in the world, with only 33 nations allowing admission without a visa. Even nearby nations like Bangladesh, Nepal, Palestine, and Somalia have improved their rankings. Bangladesh is in 100th place, Nepal is in 101st place, and Somalia is in 102nd place. Despite a difficult year, Pakistan's passport remains one of the weakest in the world.
India, which ranked higher than Pakistan, plummeted in the rankings this year. The country fell five spots to 85th place from last year's 80th position. According to the figures above, India came in at number 84 in 2023, 83rd in 2022, and 90th in 2021. Although Pakistan is still ahead of it, a country that has been rising consistently in the rankings over the years may occasionally be taken aback by such a drop. With its passport, India can now travel to 57 countries visa-free. Angola, Bhutan, Bolivia, Fiji, Haiti, Kenya, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Qatar now join the ranks of the powerful passports. But rankings also explain how well, or not, a country's international status could facilitate traveling for its citizens. Whether Singaporean or Indian, these rankings remind us of the privileges we enjoy and how they change in time.