6 of the world's weakest passports in 2024 with very limited visa-free access

In 2024, global mobility is still unevenly distributed, with some passports offering limited travel freedom. This year, the six weakest passports, based on the number of countries their holders can enter without a visa, are from Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. These passports provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to fewer than 40 countries, reflecting the significant travel restrictions their citizens face when traveling.

Afghanistan - 26 countries

Afghanistan holds the title of world's weakest passport in 2024, with visa-free access to just 26 countries. Continued instability and conflict in the region contribute to this severe limitation. Citizens of Afghanistan face significant challenges when traveling abroad as they often require visas for most destinations, including neighboring countries.

Syria - 27 countries

Syria Passport ranks second weakest, with visa-free access to only 27 countries. Years of civil war, political turmoil and sanctions have limited Syrians' ability to travel. Many countries are introducing strict visa requirements for Syrian citizens, further isolating them from the world community.

Iraq - 31 countries

Iraqi passport allowing visa-free entry into 31 country, ranks as the third weakest passport in 2024. Decades of conflict and instability have severely impacted Iraq's international relations, leading to strict visa restrictions for its citizens. Iraqis face numerous obstacles when trying to travel abroad, often requiring extensive paperwork and lengthy approval processes.

Pakistan - 33 countries

The Pakistani passport ranks fourth, offering visa-free entry to 33 countries. Although Pakistan has made progress in improving its global image, security concerns and political instability continue to impact the freedom of movement of its citizens. Many countries in Europe and North America in particular impose strict visa requirements for Pakistani citizens.

Yemen - 33 countries

Yemen with visa-free access to 33 countries , has the fifth weakest passport in the world. The ongoing conflict, humanitarian crisis and political instability have led to widespread travel restrictions for Yemeni citizens. The few countries that offer visa-free entry for Yemenis are often limited to regional neighbors and a few other countries.

Somalia - 35 countries

Somalia brings up the rear with its a passport offering visa-free access to 35 countries. Decades of civil unrest, terrorism and weak governance have left Somali citizens with one of the least powerful passports in the world. Travel for Somalis is often limited to a small number of African and Asian countries, making international mobility a challenge.

Source: timesofindia