World's Weakest Passports in 2026: Bottom 10 Countries Ranked
The power of a passport is fundamentally defined by the number of countries its citizens can visit without requiring a visa in advance. Annually, the Henley Passport Index publishes its comprehensive global rankings, meticulously measuring how easily individuals from specific nations can travel to various destinations freely, without the need to obtain a visa beforehand. In stark contrast, there are passports from certain countries that offer significantly less access, imposing substantial barriers on international mobility.
The data underpinning these rankings is sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and encompasses destinations that permit visa-free travel, visas on arrival, or electronic travel authorisations. The findings presented in the 2026 report underscore, once again, the profound and persistent gap that exists between the world's strongest and weakest passports. Individuals holding the most powerful passports enjoy remarkable flexibility, enabling them to traverse the globe with minimal restrictions. Conversely, those possessing the weakest passports confront harsh and often insurmountable limitations on international travel.
This detailed analysis focuses specifically on the nations ranked at the very bottom of the list, categorised among the weakest globally. Below, we examine the Henley Passport Index 2026's 10 lowest-ranked countries and delve into the significant implications for their residents.
Eritrea, North Korea & Palestinian Territory – Rank 94
Visa-free access: 38 destinations
Citizens of North Korea, Eritrea, and the Palestinian Territory encounter some of the most formidable travel obstacles worldwide. The North Korean government enforces strict control over movement, compounded by global sanctions and the country's isolationist policies, resulting in minimal international travel opportunities. For Palestinians, partial recognition as an independent state and rigorous security checks at border crossings severely restrict mobility. Meanwhile, Eritrea remains entangled in ongoing conflicts, further limiting its citizens' travel prospects.
Bangladesh – Rank 95
Visa-free access: 37 destinations
Despite notable economic growth and a substantial workforce employed abroad, Bangladesh's passport continues to rank among the weakest. This status is attributed to limited diplomatic relationships, pervasive concerns in other nations regarding visa overstays by Bangladeshi citizens, and a low level of reciprocity from major global powers.
Nepal – Rank 96
Visa-free access: 35 destinations
Even with a degree of political stability, Nepal's passport remains one of the least powerful. The country's smaller diplomatic footprint and few bilateral visa waiver agreements significantly curtail travel opportunities for Nepali citizens, hindering their global mobility.
Somalia – Rank 97
Visa-free access: 33 destinations
Decades of relentless conflict and weak governance continue to severely restrict Somalia's global movement. Persistent issues surrounding document reliability and ongoing migration risks firmly keep its passport near the bottom of the international rankings.
Pakistan & Yemen – Rank 98
Visa-free access: 31 destinations
Both Pakistan and Yemen share this 98th position, granting their citizens access to merely 31 destinations without a visa. This ranking results from a confluence of challenging factors. Yemen has been devastated by a prolonged civil war, while Pakistan grapples with complex geopolitical tensions and issues with neighbouring countries.
Iraq – Rank 99
Visa-free access: 29 destinations
Although Iraq has demonstrated some progress in rebuilding efforts and achieving stability, its citizens do not enjoy commensurate travel freedom, with visa-free access to only 29 destinations. Travel remains highly constrained by the lingering aftermath of past wars and persistent regional security concerns.
Syria – Rank 100
Visa-free access: 26 destinations
Years of devastating civil war, extensive economic sanctions, and stringent security measures have positioned Syria among the lowest-ranking passports globally. Its citizens can access a mere 26 destinations without prior paperwork. Syrians face intense visa requirements and possess extremely limited freedom for international travel.
Afghanistan – Rank 101
Visa-free access: 24 destinations
Afghanistan finds itself at the absolute bottom of the list, with its citizens holding the weakest passport in the world in 2026. This designation means Afghan nationals have severely restricted access to visa-free travel. The primary reasons for this status include decades of continuous conflict in the region and the profound impact of minimal diplomatic relations on the country's global standing.
