In an increasingly interconnected world, a passport is more than just a travel document—it’s a key to global mobility, granting access to opportunities for travel, education, business, and cultural exchange. However, not all passports are created equal. The strength of a passport is measured by the number of destinations its holders can access without requiring a prior visa, often referred to as the “visa-free score.” The Henley Passport Index, a globally recognized ranking based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), highlights the disparities in travel freedom, with some passports offering access to nearly 200 countries, while others provide entry to only a handful. In 2024, the world’s least powerful passports, as ranked by their visa-free scores, belong to countries grappling with political instability, economic challenges, and strained diplomatic relations. This article explores the ten least powerful passports of 2024, delving into the reasons behind their low rankings and the broader implications for their citizens.
1. Afghanistan: Visa-Free Score of 26
Topping the list of the world’s least powerful passports is Afghanistan, with a visa-free score of just 26 countries. The Afghan passport has consistently held the lowest rank due to ongoing conflict, political upheaval, and the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. These factors have severely limited Afghanistan’s diplomatic ties, resulting in restricted access to most countries. Afghan passport holders face stringent visa requirements, with many nations imposing extensive vetting due to concerns over security and visa overstays. Countries like Dominica and Suriname offer visa-free access, but major destinations such as the United States, Canada, and most of Europe require prior visas, often with complex application processes. The lack of consular reach and Afghanistan’s isolation on the global stage further exacerbate the challenges for its citizens, making international travel a daunting prospect.
2. Syria: Visa-Free Score of 28
Syria ranks second with a visa-free score of 28, a reflection of the devastating impact of its civil war, which began in 2011. The ongoing conflict has crippled the country’s infrastructure, economy, and diplomatic relations, leading to widespread travel restrictions for Syrian passport holders. Most countries require visas, and Syrian nationals often face heightened scrutiny due to security concerns and the risk of visa overstays. The limited visa-free destinations include a few African and Caribbean nations, but access to major global hubs remains heavily restricted. The Syrian passport’s low ranking underscores the broader humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced and unable to travel freely, further isolating them from global opportunities.
3. Iraq: Visa-Free Score of 31
Iraq’s passport, with a visa-free score of 31, ranks third among the least powerful passports. Decades of conflict, terrorism, and political instability have weakened Iraq’s international standing, resulting in limited travel freedom for its citizens. Iraqi passport holders can access a small number of countries, such as Malaysia and Zambia, without a visa, but major destinations like the US, UK, and EU nations impose strict visa requirements. Poverty, social issues, and a lack of strong diplomatic ties further contribute to the passport’s low ranking. The US Department of State’s Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Iraq highlights the security concerns that deter other nations from offering visa-free access.
4. Pakistan and Yemen: Visa-Free Score of 33
Tied for fourth place, Pakistan and Yemen each have a visa-free score of 33. Pakistan’s low ranking is driven by a combination of economic crises, political instability, and security concerns, including its association with terrorism. Pakistani passport holders can travel visa-free to countries like Dominica, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago, but face significant barriers when seeking entry to North America, Europe, and much of Asia. Similarly, Yemen’s passport is hampered by the ongoing civil war since 2014, which has led to widespread famine, humanitarian crises, and strained diplomatic relations. Yemeni passport holders face entry bans or special screenings in many countries, limiting their global mobility. Both nations’ passports reflect the broader challenges of political and economic instability in shaping travel freedom.
5. Somalia: Visa-Free Score of 35
Somalia’s passport, with a visa-free score of 35, ranks fifth. The country’s long-standing issues with civil unrest, poverty, and weak governance have severely restricted its passport’s global acceptance. Somali passport holders can access a few neighboring African countries, as well as Dominica and Haiti, but major destinations like the US, UK, and Canada do not recognize Somalia’s passport for visa-free travel, often requiring additional documentation or residence permits. The lack of consular reach and ongoing security threats, including kidnapping and terrorism, further limit Somalia’s travel freedom. The country’s low ranking highlights the broader challenges faced by nations with weak central governance.
6. Libya and Nepal: Visa-Free Score of 39
Libya and Nepal share the sixth spot with a visa-free score of 39. Libya’s passport is hindered by post-2011 revolution turmoil, with ongoing conflict and a Level 4 travel advisory from the US Department of State. Libyan passport holders can access 13 countries visa-free and 35 with visas on arrival, but face significant restrictions elsewhere due to political instability and security concerns. Nepal, while more stable, faces challenges due to its economic limitations and limited diplomatic influence. Nepalese passport holders have access to some African and Caribbean nations but encounter barriers in wealthier countries, reflecting the broader divide between high- and low-income nations in global mobility.
7. Bangladesh and Palestinian Territories: Visa-Free Score of 40
Bangladesh and the Palestinian Territories both have a visa-free score of 40, placing them seventh. Bangladesh’s passport is limited by economic challenges and regional instability, with visa-free access to a small number of countries, primarily in Africa and the Caribbean. The Palestinian passport faces unique challenges due to the ongoing conflict with Israel and limited international recognition of Palestinian statehood. Palestinian passport holders can access a few countries without a visa, but major destinations impose strict requirements, often compounded by statelessness concerns. Both passports reflect the significant barriers faced by citizens of nations with complex geopolitical challenges.
8. North Korea: Visa-Free Score of 41
North Korea’s passport, with a visa-free score of 41, ranks eighth. Despite slightly better mobility than some others on this list, North Korean citizens face unique restrictions, as the government tightly controls travel, requiring special clearance for citizens to leave. The passport’s low ranking is also influenced by geopolitical isolation, sanctions, and limited embassy presence abroad. Visa-free access is available to a few countries, primarily in Africa and Asia, but major Western nations impose strict visa requirements. The North Korean passport’s limitations highlight the impact of authoritarian governance on global mobility.
9. Eritrea: Visa-Free Score of 42
Eritrea’s passport, with a visa-free score of 42, ranks ninth. The country’s restrictive government policies, economic struggles, and history of internal violence contribute to its low ranking. Eritrean passport holders can access 10 countries visa-free, including Ghana and Benin, and 39 with visas on arrival, but face significant barriers elsewhere. The country’s Level 2 travel advisory and ongoing debt distress further limit its diplomatic leverage, restricting travel freedom for its citizens.
10. Iran and Sudan: Visa-Free Score of 43
Iran and Sudan tie for tenth place with a visa-free score of 43. Iran’s passport is limited by geopolitical tensions, particularly with Western nations, and sanctions that restrict its citizens’ travel. Visa-free access is available to countries like Bolivia and Suriname, but entry to the US, UK, and Schengen Area is heavily restricted. Sudan’s passport faces similar challenges due to ongoing conflict, political instability, and economic woes, which have weakened its global standing. Both countries’ passports reflect the broader impact of strained international relations on travel freedom.
The Broader Implications of Weak Passports
The low visa-free scores of these passports highlight a stark global mobility gap, as noted by Henley & Partners, with top-ranked passports like Singapore’s offering access to 195 destinations, while Afghanistan’s provides only 26. This disparity, often described as “passport privilege,” reflects deeper issues of economic inequality, political instability, and diplomatic isolation. Citizens of these countries face significant barriers to education, business, and cultural exchange, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limited opportunity. For some, obtaining a second passport through citizenship-by-investment programs offers a potential solution, though such options are often financially out of reach.
Conclusion
The world’s least powerful passports in 2024, led by Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq, underscore the profound impact of conflict, economic challenges, and diplomatic isolation on global mobility. These passports not only restrict travel but also limit access to opportunities that could improve the lives of their holders. As the global mobility gap widens, addressing these disparities requires international cooperation to strengthen diplomatic ties, stabilize economies, and promote equitable travel policies. For now, citizens of these nations face significant hurdles, highlighting the critical role a passport plays in shaping one’s place in the global community.
