Pakistan’s passport rises to 97th, 32 destinations now accessible

WEB DESK: Pakistan’s passport has recorded a modest yet meaningful improvement in the latest edition of the Henley & Partners Passport Index for February 2026. The green passport has risen to 97th place, moving up from 98th in January and marking a notable recovery from its 103rd position in early 2025.

The updated ranking reflects steady diplomatic efforts to enhance global mobility, granting Pakistani citizens access to 32 destinations through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival (VOA), or electronic travel authorisation (eTA). The primary catalyst behind February’s shift was the restoration of visa-free access to The Gambia, following recent bilateral engagements.

The reinstatement added a crucial destination to Pakistan’s mobility list, enabling it to edge ahead of Yemen in the global standings. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the development, describing it as a “strong achievement” and attributing the upward trajectory to sustained diplomatic outreach and the modernisation of passport systems.

Where Pakistanis Can Travel in 2026

Under the revised access framework, Pakistani travellers can now visit 11 destinations visa-free, including Barbados, Dominica, Rwanda and The Gambia. A further 18 countries offer visa-on-arrival facilities, among them Cambodia, Maldives, Nepal and Qatar, while three destinations Kenya, Seychelles and Sri Lanka provide electronic travel authorisation options.

Although these arrangements remove the need for a prior embassy visit, travellers are advised to verify official entry requirements before departure. Certain countries may require online pre-registration, confirmed accommodation bookings, or health documentation such as a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate. It is also important to note that an eTA is not equivalent to visa-free travel; applications must be submitted online in advance, with approvals typically issued within 24 to 72 hours.

The Growing Global Mobility Divide

Despite this progress, the 2026 Henley Global Mobility Report notes an expanding disparity between the world’s most and least powerful passports. Singapore continues to top the index with visa-free access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea. The mobility gap between the highest- and lowest-ranked passports has reached a record level, highlighting the uneven distribution of travel freedom worldwide.

While Pakistan remains in the lower tier, it has succeeded in surpassing regional counterparts such as Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. The latest improvement signals cautious optimism, suggesting that continued diplomatic engagement particularly across Africa, the Caribbean and Oceania may gradually broaden travel opportunities for Pakistani citizens in the years ahead.