10 weakest passports in the world in 2026

For millions of travellers, the passport they hold can determine how easily they can cross international borders, with the latest Henley Passport Index showing a sharp divide in global travel access.

Afghanistan has the weakest passport in 2026, with its citizens able to access just 22 destinations without obtaining a visa before departure. Syria, Iraq, Pakistan and Yemen follow among the 10 lowest-ranked passports, while Somalia is the only African country among the five weakest.

Several other countries in Asia and the Middle East also appear near the bottom of the ranking, where international travel can involve visa applications, supporting documents, fees and waiting periods.

Read also: Why Nigeria posted Africa’s biggest passport power decline in 20 years

The index ranks passports by the number of destinations holders can access without a prior visa. The figures highlight how diplomatic relations and visa agreements can influence opportunities to travel for holidays, education, business and family visits.

The ranking also underscores the global gap in mobility, with nationality remaining a major factor in how easily people can travel abroad.
Here are the 10 weakest passports in the world in 2026.

1. Afghanistan — 22 destinations

Afghanistan has the weakest passport in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, with its citizens able to access 22 destinations without obtaining a visa before departure.

The figure places Afghanistan at the bottom of the global ranking and shows the restrictions faced by its passport holders when travelling internationally.

2. Syria — 25 destinations

Syria ranks second from the bottom, with access to 25 destinations without a visa before departure.
Syrian passport holders must obtain visas before travelling to many countries, limiting the number of destinations they can visit through simplified entry arrangements.

3. Iraq — 28 destinations

Iraq ranks third from the bottom with access to 28 destinations.
The ranking places the Iraqi passport among those with the lowest levels of visa-free travel in the world.

4. Pakistan — 29 destinations

Pakistan records access to 29 destinations without a visa before departure.
The country ranks fourth from the bottom, meaning Pakistani passport holders face visa requirements for many international journeys.

5. Yemen — 30 destinations

Yemen has access to 30 destinations without a visa before departure, placing it fifth from the bottom.
Years of conflict and political instability have affected the country’s international relations and travel arrangements.

6. Somalia — 32 destinations

Somalia ranks sixth from the bottom, with access to 32 destinations.
It is the only African country among the five passports at the bottom of the table and one of two African countries in the overall bottom 10.

7. Nepal — 34 destinations

Nepal ranks seventh from the bottom, with its passport providing access to 34 destinations without a visa before departure.
The figure places Nepal among the countries whose citizens have limited access to international destinations without prior visa applications.

8. North Korea — 35 destinations

North Korea has access to 35 destinations without a visa before departure.
The country ranks eighth from the bottom, reflecting the limited number of destinations available to its passport holders under visa-free arrangements.

9. Bangladesh — 35 destinations

Bangladesh shares the same score as North Korea, with access to 35 destinations.
Its passport remains among those with the lowest levels of visa-free travel access in the 2026 index.

10. Iran — 37 destinations

Iran completes the bottom 10, with access to 37 destinations without a visa before departure.
Although it ranks above the other nine countries on this list, Iranian passport holders still face visa requirements for most international destinations.