World’s 6 weakest passports in 2024, with very limited visa-free access

In 2024, global mobility remains 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, belong to Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia. These passports provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to fewer than 40 countries, thereby reflecting the significant travel restrictions that their citizens have to face during travel.

Afghanistan – 26 countries

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

Syria – 27 countries

Syria’s passport ranks as the second weakest, with visa-free access to only 27 countries. Years of civil war, political turmoil, and sanctions have left Syrians with limited travel options. Many countries impose strict visa requirements on Syrian nationals, further isolating them from the global community.

Iraq – 31 countries

Iraq’s passport, allowing visa-free entry to 31 countries, ranks third among the weakest passports in 2024. Decades of conflict and instability have severely impacted Iraq’s international relations, resulting in stringent visa restrictions for its citizens. Iraqis face numerous hurdles when attempting to travel abroad, often requiring extensive documentation and lengthy approval processes.

Pakistan – 33 countries

Pakistan’s passport ranks fourth, offering visa-free access to 33 countries. Although Pakistan has made strides in improving its global image, security concerns and political instability continue to affect its citizens’ travel freedom. Many countries in Europe and North America, in particular, impose stringent visa requirements on Pakistani nationals.

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 to Yemenis are often limited to regional neighbors and a handful of other nations.

Somalia – 35 countries

Somalia rounds out the list with its 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 globally. Travel for Somalis is often restricted to a small number of African and Asian countries, making international mobility a challenge.

Originally Published at TIMESOFINDIA