Afghanistan’s Passport Ranks Lowest in Global Index

Afghanistan’s passport has been ranked as the least powerful in the world according to the latest Henley Passport Index, which measures global travel freedom based on visa-free access. Holders of Afghan travel documents can currently enter only 23 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance.

The index places Singapore at the top of the global rankings, with its citizens enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 countries. Afghanistan is positioned at the bottom of the list, while passports from Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan rank immediately above it.

A separate assessment published in 2025 by Nomad Capitalist similarly placed Afghanistan at the bottom of its global passport rankings, which evaluated travel documents from 199 countries. Both reports cite prolonged political instability and ongoing conflict as primary factors limiting international mobility for Afghan citizens.

The Henley Passport Index is regularly updated using official data from the International Air Transport Association and reflects changes in global visa policies. The current ranking highlights the continued restrictions on international travel for Afghan nationals and points to broader diplomatic and economic challenges affecting the country’s global standing.

Officials and migration experts note that the ranking directly impacts trade, education, and humanitarian travel for Afghan citizens. Travelers from the country continue to face stringent entry requirements across most regions, requiring advance visa applications and extensive documentation.