For nearly half a decade, Pakistan's passport has been one of the weakest travel documents on earth. Now, a single-step decline has cemented its position as the world's fourth-worst, trailing only Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Main Developments The Henley Passport Index ranked Pakistan 101st out of 199 passports in July 2026, down one spot from May. The drop followed a reduction in visa-free access from 30 countries to 29. Three countries—Cape Verde Islands, Mozambique, and Qatar—stopped offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Pakistani citizens this year, despite having done so in January. Currently, only 11 destinations allow visa-free entry: Barbados, Cook Islands, Dominica, Haiti, Micronesia, Montserrat, Rwanda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, The Gambia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu. Read also: 4 Key Takeaways from AJK Mirpur Division Election Results Visa-on-arrival is available for 16 countries, including Cambodia, Maldives, and Nepal. Electronic travel authorisations cover Kenya, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka. Singapore remains the top-ranked passport with a score of 192, while Japan, South Korea, and the UAE share second place. Background Pakistan's passport has been ranked fourth-worst globally since at least January 2021. Over the past decade, it has consistently lingered near the bottom of the index, though its absolute position has improved since hitting 113th in 2021. In 2022, the passport ranked 109th, allowing visa-free entry to 32 countries. By 2023, it had climbed to 100th, but that number slipped again in 2024. The current 101st ranking marks a continued decline from 98th in March, when 31 destinations were accessible, and from 97th in February, when 32 were open. The Gambia briefly restored visa-free access in January, boosting the count to 31, but that gain was reversed by the loss of three other destinations. Yemen now ranks 100th with visa-free access to 30 countries. Why It Matters For Pakistani citizens, a weak passport means higher costs, longer visa processing times, and fewer travel options. The decline also reflects broader diplomatic and economic isolation, as visa-free access often correlates with bilateral relations and security perceptions. Business travelers, students, and families face practical hurdles. The drop from 32 visa-free destinations in February to 29 in July represents a 9% reduction in accessible countries within five months. What's Next No scheduled updates to the Henley Passport Index have been announced, but the index is typically updated multiple times per year. Further declines are possible if additional countries tighten entry requirements. Diplomatic engagement could restore lost access—The Gambia's reinstatement earlier this year shows that reversals are possible. However, without broader improvements in security or international standing, Pakistan's passport is likely to remain near the bottom of the rankings.