The Henley Passport Index ranks global passports each year by how many countries they allow entry to without a prior visa. While some passports offer access to over 190 destinations, others provide far fewer options.
In 2025, some countries still have limited travel access due to a mix of political, economic, and diplomatic challenges. Here’s a closer look at the passports with the least global mobility.
2025’s Least Powerful Passports
🇦🇫 Afghanistan
Rank: 99th | Visa-Free Destinations: 25
At the very bottom once again, Afghanistan remains the country with the fewest travel privileges. Ongoing instability and lack of diplomatic presence abroad contribute to these restrictions.
🇸🇾 Syria
Rank: 98th | Visa-Free Destinations: 27
Syria’s long-standing civil conflict and strained international relations have kept its passport among the world’s weakest.
🇮🇶 Iraq
Rank: 97th | Visa-Free Destinations: 30
Though Iraq has seen some improvements in security, its global travel access remains heavily limited.
🇵🇰 Pakistan, 🇸🇴 Somalia, 🇾🇪 Yemen
Rank: 96th | Visa-Free Destinations: 32
Grouped together with equal rankings, these three countries continue to face travel challenges due to internal unrest and security concerns.
🇱🇾 Libya, 🇳🇵 Nepal
Rank: 95th | Visa-Free Destinations: 38
Libya’s post-revolution chaos and Nepal’s limited global outreach place them near the bottom of the index.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh, 🇪🇷 Eritrea, 🇵🇸 Palestinian Territory
Rank: 94th | Visa-Free Destinations: 39
Despite being densely populated, Bangladesh still struggles with limited mobility. Similar challenges affect Palestinians and Eritreans, many of whom rely on special permissions or humanitarian travel channels.
🇰🇵 North Korea
Rank: 93rd | Visa-Free Destinations: 40
As one of the world’s most isolated nations, North Korea’s citizens have extremely restricted access to global travel.
🇸🇩 Sudan
Rank: 92nd | Visa-Free Destinations: 41
Sudan’s recent political turmoil has impacted its standing globally, limiting its citizens’ mobility.
🇮🇷 Iran, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Rank: 91st | Visa-Free Destinations: 42
Iran faces sanctions and strained relations with the West, while Sri Lanka struggles with economic and political instability affecting global ties.
🇨🇩 Congo (DRC), 🇸🇸 South Sudan
Rank: 90th | Visa-Free Destinations: 43
Both countries are rich in resources but plagued by conflict, making travel for their citizens a difficult task.
🇱🇧 Lebanon
Rank: 89th | Visa-Free Destinations: 44
Once considered a vibrant travel hub in the Middle East, Lebanon’s recent economic collapse and political instability have reduced its global mobility.
Why Do These Passports Rank So Low?
Passport strength depends on a country’s global relations, stability, and international reputation. Nations facing conflict or limited diplomatic ties often have fewer visa-free options.
For many citizens, this means travel is harder, with more paperwork, longer waits, and frequent visa rejections—even for short visits.