Pakistan’s passport has been ranked 100th globally in the latest update of the Henley Passport Index, which evaluates 199 passports across 227 travel destinations based on visa-free access.
According to the index, Pakistani passport holders currently enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 30 countries, reflecting ongoing shifts in international visa arrangements and bilateral travel policies.
Pakistan has historically remained near the lower end of the global ranking table, though its position has shown gradual improvement since 2021. Earlier this year, the ranking improved to 98th from 103rd in 2025. However, the latest update places it at 100th position, with only Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq ranked lower.
In February 2026, Pakistani citizens had access to 32 destinations following the reinstatement of The Gambia. This number has now decreased to 30 in the latest May update, highlighting continued fluctuations in global mobility agreements.
The global rankings continue to be led by Asian countries, with Singapore maintaining the top position. Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates share second place, while Sweden leads Europe in third position.
A group of European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, are jointly ranked fourth. The United States stands in 10th place.
Govt speeds up passport process
Major reforms have been announced by the federal government to provide support to citizens and improve passport services.
The decisions regarding the passport were made during a meeting chaired by Talal Chaudry and Mohsin Naqvi.
The details suggest that the processing time for a normal passport has been reduced from 21 days to 14 days. This will ensure faster delivery for applicants.
It has also been directed by the Interior Minister that a fully cashless system will be implemented in passport offices. It is expected that the system will be enforced within the next 15 days.
According to Mohsin Naqvi when cash payments are eliminated it will help curb the agent mafia and make the process more convenient and transparent for public.
The system for home delivery of passports will additionally be further approved to enhance efficiency.
The revised passport delivery timelines by the government will shorten the wait time for all applicants under the normal category. This has introduced a faster processing schedule across all major passport services.
For Machine Readable Passports (MRP) under the updated application priority, normal passport applications will now be delivered within 14 working days after successful processing instead of 21 working days.
The applications that are now fast-tracked will be delivered within two working days. The passports that are submitted under the urgent category will be issued within five working days.
The facility to fast-track will be available in 47 cities. This is according to update priority schedule.
This means that certain participants in these 47 cities will be able to receive their passports in two working days.
Also read: Pakistan embassy in Oman announces new passport collection timings, fees
