TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Based on the 2024 Henley Passport Index, Singapore has the strongest passport in the world. Holders of Singaporean passports can travel freely to 195 countries. In contrast, countries with weak passports are not free to travel to other countries. So, which countries have the weakest passports in Asia?

Citing Times of India, here are the top 5 countries with the weakest passports in Asia:

1. Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s passport is ranked 103rd globally since it only grants access to 26 countries without a prior visa. This limited mobility poses a major obstacle for Afghan citizens when traveling overseas. The visa application process is often long and complicated. Afghanistan’s passport weakness is often attributed to the security and political instability in the country.

2. Syria

Ranked 102nd, Syrian passport holders only have visa-free access to 28 countries. The ongoing conflict and instability in Syria have led to a weak passport status. Syrian citizens often face significant barriers when trying to travel abroad.

3. Iraq

Iraq, ranked 101st, only grants visa-free access to 31 countries. While slightly better than Syria and Afghanistan, Iraqi passport holders still face major travel restrictions. The visa application process is complicated and time-consuming, limiting opportunities for international mobility. In addition to internal conflict, the weak passport is often linked to the country’s economic conditions.

4. Yemen

Yemeni citizens can only travel visa-free to 33 countries. The ongoing political unrest and humanitarian crisis in the country contribute to the limitation of Yemeni citizens’ international mobility.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan, ranked 100th alongside Yemen, only grants access to 33 countries. Pakistani passport holders still face travel restrictions, although there have been improvements over the years. The visa application process poses a formidable barrier to its citizens’ access to business and tourism opportunities.

TEMPO | MILA NOVITA

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