KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Afghanistan’s passport has once again been ranked the least powerful globally, placing last among 197 countries in the 2026 Global Passport Index published by Global Citizen Solutions.
The report, released on Wednesday, evaluates passports based on three indicators: enhanced mobility, investment opportunities, and quality of life. Mobility accounts for 50% of the total score, while the other two factors each contribute 25%.
Afghanistan scored 23.10 points out of 100, remaining at the bottom of the ranking and underscoring the severe travel restrictions and limited international access faced by its passport holders.
Countries ranked just above Afghanistan included Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen, and Syria, all affected by prolonged armed conflict, political instability, and economic hardship.
European countries dominated the top of the index, with Sweden taking first place with 96.05 points, followed by Switzerland, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Ireland.
In a separate ranking, the Henley Passport Index 2026, which measures visa-free access, also placed Afghanistan last among 199 passports. Afghanistan passport holders can travel to only 24 destinations without a visa in advance. Singapore topped that index with access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea.
Afghanistan’s passport has consistently ranked at the bottom of major global rankings in recent years. The limited mobility severely restricts opportunities for Afghan citizens seeking to travel, pursue education abroad, conduct business, or participate in international events and forums.
Afghanistan’s passports continue to be issued under the name of the former Islamic Republic of Afghanistan despite the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Since then, most countries have withheld formal recognition of the Taliban rule, with Russia so far the only country to officially recognize it.
