In the landscape of international travel, the strength of a passport is gauged by the number of countries its holder can visit without a visa or with visa-on-arrival access.
While citizens from nations like Japan, Germany, and Singapore enjoy broad travel liberties, others encounter substantial restrictions.
According to Best Diplomat, here are the top 7 weakest passports globally in 2024, illustrating the countries where citizens face the most travel limitations.
1. Afghanistan
Afghanistan holds the weakest passport worldwide, granting visa-free access to only nine countries: the Cook Islands, Dominica, Egypt, Haiti, Kenya, Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, and Seychelles.
Historical conflicts and geopolitical issues largely contribute to these restrictions. Efforts to enhance diplomatic relations and stability could potentially improve Afghan citizens’ travel freedom.
2. Iraq
Ranked second, Iraq’s passport is hampered by past conflicts and ongoing instability. Iraqi citizens can visit 13 countries visa-free, including the Cook Islands, Dominica, Haiti, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, Seychelles, Suriname, Syria, and Zambia.
Strengthening diplomatic ties and achieving greater stability are crucial for increasing travel opportunities for Iraqis.
3. Syria
Syria’s passport, the third weakest, is impacted by ongoing conflicts and limited diplomatic relations. Syrian citizens can travel visa-free to nine destinations, including the Cook Islands, Dominica, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, and Seychelles. Improved diplomatic efforts and stability could enhance travel prospects for Syrians.
4. Pakistan
Pakistan’s passport ranks fourth, affected by political and security challenges. Pakistani citizens can travel visa-free to 14 countries: Barbados, Bermuda, the Cook Islands, Dominica, Haiti, Micronesia, Montserrat, Niue, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu.
Boosting diplomatic and economic conditions could improve travel freedom for Pakistanis.
5. Yemen
Yemen’s passport is the fifth weakest, offering visa-free access to just 10 countries: the Cook Islands, Dominica, Egypt, Malaysia, Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, and Syria.
Political unrest and limited diplomatic relations contribute to these restrictions. Enhancing diplomatic efforts and stability could improve travel opportunities for Yemenis.
6. Somalia
Somalia’s passport ranks sixth due to geopolitical instability and limited diplomatic ties. Somali citizens can travel visa-free to 11 countries: Benin, Cook Islands, Dominica, Haiti, Kenya, Malaysia, Micronesia, Niue, Samoa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Gambia.
Strengthening diplomatic relations and achieving stability could enhance global mobility for Somalis.
7. Palestinian Territories
The passport of the Palestinian Territories ranks seventh, hindered by political status and lack of international recognition. Palestinians can travel visa-free to 13 countries: Bolivia, Cook Islands, Dominica, Ecuador, Jordan, Malaysia, Micronesia, Nicaragua, Niue, South Africa, Suriname, Venezuela, and Eswatini. Diplomatic solutions are needed to improve travel freedom for Palestinians.
