Pakistan Passport Ranking 2026: Why Henley Says 100th and Another Index Says 183rd
If you searched for the Pakistani passport ranking this month, you may have seen two very different numbers: around 100th in one report and 183rd in another. Both are real, but they measure different things. Here is what each index says, why they differ, and what it actually means when you plan a trip.
Two indexes, two very different numbers
The Henley Passport Index compares 199 passports across 227 destinations and scores each by how many places can be visited without a prior visa. Dawn reported Pakistan at 100th with 30 destinations (May 2026), after 98th in January. Gulf News, citing Henley data, later put Pakistan at 101st as of July 2026, having moved between 97th and 103rd during the year.
On 15 September 2026, Gulf News reported a separate ranking from Passport Reports: Pakistan at 183rd, down from 174th in 2025, with only nine fully visa-free destinations. That index counts strict visa-free entry, so it does not credit visa-on-arrival or online authorisations the way Henley does.
What Pakistani passport holders can actually do
According to Gulf News (updated 8 August 2026), the Henley-counted 29 destinations break down as 11 visa-free, 15 visa-on-arrival and 3 ETA. Cape Verde was recently removed from the visa-on-arrival list. Separately, many countries offer e-visas, which you apply for online before travel. Our guide to e-visa, ETA and visa-free countries lists these in detail.
Why the ranking matters less than your file
A ranking tells you how easy a passport is on average. It says little about your own application. For popular destinations such as the UK, Schengen countries, Canada or the USA, approval depends on your funds, travel history, ties to Pakistan and a clear purpose of travel. A high or low ranking does not change these requirements.
- Check whether your destination offers e-visa or visa-on-arrival
- Confirm entry conditions such as passport validity
- Keep bank statements and proof of ties ready
- Book refundable flights and hotels first
- Get travel insurance where required
- Avoid agents promising guaranteed visas
Options that need no embassy appointment
If you want simpler travel, look at destinations with online or on-arrival routes. We have covered several, including the Nepal visa on arrival, the Maldives visa on arrival, the Georgia e-visa and the Sri Lanka ETA. Rules can change quickly, as shown by Qatar’s suspension of visa-on-arrival, so always check before booking.
Quick answers
Which ranking is correct? Both, for their own methods. Henley counts visa-free, visa-on-arrival and ETA access; Passport Reports, as described by Gulf News, focuses on strictly visa-free destinations.
Does a low ranking mean my visa will be refused? No. Visa decisions are made on your individual application.
Will the ranking change? Yes. Henley’s position moved between 97th and 103rd during 2026 alone as countries changed their policies.
Applying for a visit visa?
Reloaded Visa prepares your complete file and guides you at every step. Free consultation — no obligation.
Visa rules, fees and rankings change often. Please confirm the latest details on the official embassy or government website before you apply or travel.