Pakistan Passport Jumps from 103rd to 98th in 2026, Now Offers Visa-Free Access to 31 Countries
Full List of 31 Destinations Pakistani Passport Holders Can Access
According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, Pakistani passport holders can currently travel to 31 destinations without obtaining a traditional visa before departure. These destinations include countries offering visa-free entry, visa on arrival (VOA), or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
The 31 destinations are:
- Barbados (Visa-Free)
- Burundi (Visa on Arrival)
- Cambodia (Visa on Arrival)
- Cape Verde (Visa on Arrival)
- Comoros (Visa on Arrival)
- Cook Islands (Visa-Free)
- Djibouti (Visa on Arrival)
- Dominica (Visa-Free)
- Guinea-Bissau (Visa on Arrival)
- Haiti (Visa-Free)
- Madagascar (Visa on Arrival)
- Maldives (Visa on Arrival)
- Mauritania (Visa on Arrival)
- Micronesia (Visa-Free)
- Montserrat (Visa-Free)
- Mozambique (Visa on Arrival)
- Nepal (Visa on Arrival)
- Niue (Visa-Free)
- Palau (Visa on Arrival)
- Qatar (Visa-Free for eligible Pakistani passport holders under current arrangements)
- Rwanda (Visa-Free)
- Samoa (Visa on Arrival)
- Seychelles (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Sierra Leone (Visa on Arrival)
- Somalia (Visa on Arrival)
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Visa-Free)
- Timor-Leste (Visa on Arrival)
- Trinidad and Tobago (Visa-Free)
- Tuvalu (Visa on Arrival)
- Vanuatu (Visa-Free)
- Macao (Special Administrative Region of China – Visa on Arrival)
Before planning any trip, travelers should always check the latest entry requirements with the destination country’s embassy or immigration authority, as visa policies can change at any time.
Pakistan passport ranking 2026 has improved in the latest Henley Passport Index, bringing positive news for millions of Pakistani travelers. The country’s passport has moved up from 103rd place to 98th place, giving Pakistani citizens access to 31 destinations through visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival, or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
The improvement is being seen as an encouraging step for Pakistan’s international mobility and reflects the country’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations and expand travel opportunities for its citizens.
Pakistan Passport Ranking Improves in 2026
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, Pakistan climbed five places, moving from 103rd position in 2025 to 98th position in 2026. Pakistani passport holders can now travel to 31 destinations without obtaining a traditional visa before departure.
While Pakistan still ranks behind many countries in South Asia, the latest improvement is considered an important milestone for international travel. The updated ranking offers greater convenience for tourists, business travelers, students, and overseas workers.
What Does Visa-Free Access Mean?
The total of 31 destinations includes countries that allow Pakistani citizens to enter without a visa, obtain a visa upon arrival, or apply for an electronic travel authorization before traveling.
This does not mean Pakistanis can travel to all 31 countries completely without paperwork. Some destinations require travelers to complete a simple online authorization or receive a visa after landing at the airport instead of visiting an embassy beforehand.
These easier entry requirements save travelers both time and money compared to applying for a traditional visa.
Countries Pakistani Passport Holders Can Visit More Easily
Pakistani citizens currently have easier access to several destinations across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Oceania. These include countries such as Maldives, Nepal, Qatar, Samoa, Dominica, Haiti, Madagascar, Micronesia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Cook Islands, Niue, and several other destinations that offer visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or eTA facilities.
Travel requirements can change, so passengers should always confirm the latest immigration rules with the destination country’s embassy or official immigration website before booking their trip.
Why the Ranking Improved
Experts say passport rankings improve when countries negotiate better travel arrangements and strengthen diplomatic ties with other nations.
Pakistan has been expanding international cooperation, improving bilateral relations, and working to increase global mobility for its citizens. These efforts have helped improve the country’s standing in international passport rankings.
Government officials have also emphasized digital reforms, overseas employment initiatives, and stronger diplomatic engagement with different regions around the world.
Good News for Overseas Pakistanis
The improved passport ranking is especially important for overseas Pakistanis, business professionals, students, and tourists who travel frequently.
Simpler travel procedures reduce waiting times, lower visa costs, and make international travel more convenient. The improvement may also encourage greater business opportunities, tourism, educational exchanges, and international cooperation.
Many Pakistanis hope the ranking will continue to improve over the coming years as more countries introduce easier travel arrangements.
How the Henley Passport Index Works
The Henley Passport Index is one of the world’s most widely followed passport rankings. It compares passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a traditional visa before departure.
The rankings are updated regularly as governments change visa policies around the world. Even small policy changes can affect a country’s position in the global rankings.
Looking Ahead
Although Pakistan’s passport still has room for improvement compared with the world’s strongest passports, the move from 103rd to 98th place is a positive development. With access to 31 destinations, Pakistani travelers now enjoy greater international mobility than before.
If Pakistan continues strengthening diplomatic relations and signing new visa agreements, experts believe the country’s passport ranking could improve further in future updates, creating even more travel opportunities for Pakistani citizens.
