The 10 Worst Passports and Why They May Not Matter

When it comes to international travel, having a strong passport is essential. The strength of a passport is typically measured by the number of countries its holders can enter without a visa. However, not all passports were created equal. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 worst passports and explain why they may not matter as much as you think.

The 10 Worst Passports

According to the Henley Passport Index 2021, these are the 10 worst passports in the world in terms of the number of countries that their holders can enter without a visa:

1. Afghanistan
2. Iraq
3. Syria
4. Pakistan
5. Somalia
6. Yemen
7. Libya
8. Nepal
9. Palestinian Territory
10. North Korea

Of these, the Afghanistan passport is the weakest, with only 26 countries allowing visa-free access.

Why These Passports May Not Matter

While it’s true that these passports are among the weakest in the world, it’s important to remember that visa-free travel is just one factor in determining a passport’s strength. Here are some reasons why these passports may not matter as much as you think:

1. Visa-on-arrival

Visa-free travel is not the only way to visit a country. Many countries offer visa-on-arrival, which means that you can get a visa upon arrival at the airport or border crossing. In many cases, this can be almost as convenient as visa-free travel. For example, Pakistan may not have many visa-free countries, but it does offer visa-on-arrival for many nationalities.

2. The power of money

Money talks, especially when it comes to travel. If you have enough money, you can often get a visa or access to a country even if your passport is weak. For example, North Korea may not have many visa-free countries, but it is possible to get a visa if you book a tour with a registered North Korean tour company.

3. Dual citizenship

If you hold a passport from one of the countries on this list, it may be possible to get a second passport from another country. Dual citizenship can greatly increase your travel options, as you can use your second passport to travel to countries that may not allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to your first passport.

4. Travel restrictions and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted travel restrictions around the world. Even if a country allows visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival, there may be additional travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19. This means that all passport holders, regardless of their passport strength, may face restrictions when traveling.

FAQs

1. Should I be concerned if I hold one of the passports on this list?

While having a weak passport can be inconvenient for travel, it’s not necessarily a cause for concern. As we’ve discussed, there are many other factors that can determine your travel options, including visa-on-arrival, dual citizenship, and the power of money.

2. How can I increase the strength of my passport?

One way to increase the strength of your passport is to apply for a second passport from another country. This can greatly increase your travel options, as you can use your second passport to visit countries that may not allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to your first passport. Another option is to invest in a citizenship by investment program, which allows you to obtain citizenship and a passport from a country in exchange for an investment.

3. Does COVID-19 impact passport strength?

Yes, COVID-19 has greatly impacted travel restrictions around the world, regardless of passport strength. Even if a country allows visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival, there may be additional travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19. It’s important to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions before planning any international travel.