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Bangladesh slips three steps in global passport strength index

Bangladesh's position in the Henley Passport Index has dropped three places in 2025, now ranking 100th globally. 

Last year, Bangladesh was positioned at 97th. This year, Libya and Palestine share the 100th spot with Bangladesh.

The UK-based firm Henley & Partners released the updated passport rankings on Wednesday (January 8), assessing passports from 199 countries and their access to 227 destinations worldwide.

Visa-free access

According to the index, Bangladeshi passport holders can travel to 40 destinations without requiring a visa or can obtain one on arrival. However, they cannot travel to any European country without securing a visa in advance.

Regional comparison

Among South Asian countries, the Maldives holds the strongest passport at 53rd position, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 94 destinations. India follows at 85th, Bhutan at 90th, and Sri Lanka at 96th.

Global rankings

Singapore tops the 2025 index, allowing its citizens to travel to 195 destinations without a visa. Japan ranks second with access to 193 countries. Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Spain share third place, enabling visa-free travel to 192 destinations.

The lowest-ranking passport is Afghanistan's at 106th. Its citizens can access only 26 countries without requiring a visa.

Top 10 most powerful passports

Singapore – 195 destinations

Japan – 193 destinations

Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain – 192 destinations

Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden – 191 destinations

Belgium, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, United Kingdom – 190 destinations

Australia, Greece

Canada, Malta, Poland

Czech Republic, Hungary

United States, Estonia

Latvia, Lithuania, United Arab Emirates, Slovenia

10 weakest passports

Afghanistan – 26 destinations

Syria

Iraq

Yemen

Pakistan

Somalia

Nepal

Palestine, Libya, Bangladesh

North Korea

Eritrea