10 Countries With The Weakest Passports In 2026: What It Means For Travellers

Each year, the Henley Passport Index maps global travel freedom by ranking passports according to how many destinations their holders can access without securing a visa in advance. The index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and counts destinations that allow visa-free entry, visas on arrival, or electronic travel authorisations. The 2026 rankings once again underline the sharp divide between strong and weak passports. While top-ranked passports unlock near-seamless cross-border travel, those at the bottom offer limited mobility. This reveals how diplomacy, security concerns, and global trust continue to shape who gets to move freely and who does not.

10 Countries With The Weakest Passports For 2026

1. North Korea
2. Palestinian Territory
3. Bangladesh
4. Nepal
5. Somalia
6. Pakistan
7. Yemen
8. Iraq
9. Syria
10. Afghanistan

Note that one rank on the Henley Passport Index can be shared by multiple countries. Accordingly, here is an expanded list of the countries with the weakest passports:

Countries With The Bottom 10 Ranks On The Henley Passport Index 2026

91st: South Sudan, Sudan (visa-free access: 41 countries)

92nd: Iran (visa-free access: 40 countries)

93rd: Libya, Sri Lanka (visa-free access: 39 countries)

94th: Eritrea, North Korea, Palestinian Territory (visa-free access: 38 countries)

95th: Bangladesh (visa-free access: 37 countries)

96th: Nepal (visa-free access: 35 countries)

97th: Somalia (visa-free access: 33 countries)

98th: Pakistan, Yemen (visa-free access: 31 countries)

99th Iraq (visa-free access: 29 countries)

100th: Syria (visa-free access: 26 countries)

101st: Afghanistan (visa-free access: 24 countries)

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Why Some Passports Have A Low Ranking

Passports typically rank low due to a combination of political, economic, and security-related factors. Countries affected by prolonged conflict, internal unrest, or weak governance often face trust deficits on the global stage. Limited diplomatic engagement and the absence of reciprocal visa agreements also play a major role. In some cases, high rates of irregular migration, asylum claims, or overstays by citizens have led destination countries to impose tighter entry controls. Economic instability and poor documentation systems further compound the problem, making it harder for these nations to negotiate visa waivers or relaxed entry norms with others.

What A Weak Passport Means For Travellers

1. Limited visa-free access: Travellers must apply for visas in advance for most international destinations, reducing spontaneous or short-notice travel.
2. Longer planning timelines: Visa appointments, document verification, and processing periods often require trips to be planned weeks or months ahead.
3. Higher costs: Application fees, travel to embassies or consulates, and additional paperwork can significantly increase the overall cost of travel.
4. Greater uncertainty: Visa approvals are not guaranteed, even after fulfilling all requirements, making travel outcomes less predictable.
5. Restricted opportunities: Access to overseas education, work assignments, conferences, and medical travel can be more difficult due to entry barriers.
6. Transit limitations: Travellers may also need transit visas when changing planes, limiting routing options and increasing journey times.

Collectively, these factors reduce global mobility and influence how easily individuals can participate in international travel, trade, and exchange.

Click here to read about the strongest passports in the world for 2026.