World’s Weakest Passport Still Grants Access to 24 Visa-Free Destinations

Afghanistan’s passport continues to rank as the weakest in the world, according to the February 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index, highlighting the significant travel barriers faced by Afghan citizens.

Placed 101st on the global mobility chart, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the rankings, with its passport holders able to access only 24 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance. The standing reflects the country’s constrained diplomatic ties, persistent security concerns, and the strict entry requirements imposed by many nations.

Despite its low position, Afghan passport holders retain limited access through visa-free arrangements, visa-on-arrival provisions, and electronic travel authorisation (ETA) systems. Under Henley’s methodology, all three categories are counted as destinations that do not require prior visa approval.

Afghanistan at a Glance

• Political system: Islamic Emirate (not widely recognised internationally)

• Current administration: Taliban leadership (since August 2021)

• Capital: Kabul

• International recognition: No formal UN recognition of the ruling government

• Diplomatic engagement: Severely restricted

• Key challenges: Sanctions, financial isolation, and travel limitations

• Mobility impact: Limited bilateral visa agreements and entry privileges

Afghanistan’s passport performance is closely tied to its limited diplomatic outreach, governance disputes, and ongoing economic and security challenges.

For Afghan citizens, restricted mobility affects far more than leisure travel. Access to foreign destinations often determines opportunities for education, specialised medical care, family reunification, and business — areas where constraints remain particularly acute.

Destinations Accessible Without Prior Visa Approval

Visa-Free Destinations (4)
• Cook Islands
• Dominica
• Haiti
• Micronesia

Visa-On-Arrival Destinations (17)
• Bangladesh
• Madagascar
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cape Verde Islands
• Comoros
• Guinea-Bissau
• Macao (SAR China)
• Maldives
• Mozambique
• Palau Islands
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Timor-Leste
• Tuvalu
• Djibouti
• Niue

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Destinations (3)
• Sri Lanka
• Kenya
• Seychelles

Bangladesh remains among the more prominent destinations offering visa-on-arrival access to Afghan passport holders.

Why Afghanistan Ranks Last

The Henley Passport Index, which draws on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), measures how many destinations travellers can enter without securing a visa beforehand. Afghanistan’s score of 24 underscores one of the most restrictive levels of travel freedom globally.

In comparison, the world’s strongest passports — including those of Singapore, Japan, and several European nations — typically allow entry to more than 190 destinations.

Afghanistan remains the only country whose passport provides access to fewer than 25 destinations, illustrating the stark inequalities in global mobility.

Implications for Afghan Travellers

Although international access is limited, the small group of eligible destinations remains vital for Afghans requiring essential travel options. In a landscape dominated by tight restrictions, even minimal mobility channels carry substantial practical importance.