Global Passport Index: 10 Weakest Passports in the World in 2026

While a top-tier passport grants seamless global mobility and opens the door to foreign markets, the weakest passport does the exact opposite, restricting personal freedoms and business opportunities.

According to Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index, the weakest passports in the world are those of North Korea, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Somalia.

What sets the Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index apart is that it measures the passport not only on visa-free access (50 percent of the index), but also on quality of life (25 percent) and investment opportunities (25 percent). Together, they give the overall Global Passport ranking.

In this article, we will run through the top ten weakest passports in the world, before exploring how legal alternatives –such as Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs – can provide a lifeline to global mobility, financial freedoms, and improved life quality.

• What defines a weak passport?
• Global Passport Mobility Rankings: Bottom 10 Weakest Passports
• Why Weak Passports Limit More Than Just Travel
• What can you do if you hold a weak passport?
• Top Countries for Second Citizenship in 2026
• Frequently Asked Questions

A weak passport is defined as a passport that grants its holder visa-free or ETA(Electronic Travel Authorization) or visa-on-arrival access to a limited number of destinations. When asking “how is passport strength measured”, the Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index goes one step further in its analysis, evaluating the overall desirability, investment opportunities, and quality of life of the destinations a traveler can enter.

The weakest passport in the world is the North Korean passport. Following this, the second world’s weakest passport is Afghanistan, which offers visa-free access to only 4 destinations and ETA/visa-on-arrival to 64 countries, as of 2026.

The main factors that cause a passport to be considered weak include:

• Limited visa-free access: The number of destinations a passport holder can enter without a prior visa is low, leading to costly, lengthy visa processes.
• Geopolitical instability: Conflicts, sanctions, or diplomatic isolation prompt foreign governments to impose stricter border controls due to perceived security risks.
• Bilateral relations: Weak diplomatic ties often result in tighter visa restrictions.
• Lack of consular reach: Citizens of countries with few embassies abroad face challenges in visa processing and travel emergencies.
• Stateless passports: Individuals without recognized citizenship often face near-total mobility restrictions.
• Investment opportunities: The ability to do business freely and enjoy advantageous tax schemes.
• Quality of life: Sustainability, infrastructure, cost of living, and personal and political freedoms.

Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index goes beyond simple visa-free access to include not only how many visa-free countries you have access to, but also the desirability of those countries in terms of investment opportunities and quality of life.

To assess global passport power in 2026, the Global Passport Index breaks this down through the following three indicators.

• Enhanced Mobility Index (50 percent)
• Investment Index (25 percent)
• Quality of Life Index (25 percent)

The Global Passport Index provides a quantitative strongest and weakest passport ranking for 2026, based on data from a range of organizations, including the World Bank, the World Economic Forum, and the Sustainable Development Report. You can discover more about the methodology here.

Looking at the gap between the strongest and weakest passports, Sweden, the strongest passport on our ranking, allows entry to 181 countries (including visa-free, ETA, and visa-on-arrival), while countries such as Afghanistan give access to only 68 countries. This shows the passport mobility gap in 2026.

According to the Global Passport Index by Global Citizen Solutions, the weakest passports in the world in 2026 are:

1. North Korea

Enhanced Mobility Score: NA 

Number of countries visa-free, ETA, or visa-on-arrival: NA 

North Korea has the weakest passport in Asia and also the weakest passport in the world. Severe state restrictions on movement mean few citizens even hold passports in North Korea. Those who do must seek special government clearance for travel, and international acceptance is minimal. Passports are usually temporary in North Korea, making it very difficult to travel overseas.  

2. Afghanistan

Enhanced Mobility Score: 20.1 

Number of countries visa-free, ETA, or visa-on-arrival: 68 

The Afghanistan passport is considered weak due to factors such as continuous conflict, terrorism, and limited international ties. 

Passport holders have access to only four visa-free countries, including Dominica and Suriname. Most other travel requires prior visa approval, and many nations outright reject entry without extensive vetting. 

3. Sudan

Enhanced Mobility Score: 19.7 

Number of countries visa-free, ETA, or visa-on-arrival: 56 

The Sudanese passport is considered one of the weakest passports in the world. Just based on which passport gives the least visa-free access, Sudan gives access to the fewest countries. Limited mobility is due to several factors that include prolonged civil conflict, international security concerns, and economic instability. A combination of these factors has led to strict border controls and visa requirements.

4. Somalia

Enhanced Mobility Score: 22.1 

Number of countries visa-free, ETA, or visa-on-arrival: 77 

The Somalian passport is ranked low due to severe poverty, civil conflict that has lasted decades, and a lack of centralized state capacity. The country performs slightly better on the Investment Index, but ranks very low in the Enhanced Mobility Index and Quality of Life Index.

5. South Sudan

Enhanced Mobility Score: 26.5 

Number of countries visa-free, ETA, or visa-on-arrival: 71 

South Sudan, in East-Central Africa, has experienced ongoing conflict and political instability, leading to a lack of international trust. The country is ranked particularly low in the Quality of Life Index.

6. Eritrea

Enhanced Mobility Score: 25.6 

Number of countries visa-free, ETA, or visa-on-arrival: 73 

Diplomatic isolation and fragile political structures have contributed to Eritrea having one of the weakest passports in the world. There are also high rates of outward migration, and the country lacks a central population registry.

7. The Syrian Arab Republic

Enhanced Mobility Score: 19.4 

Number of countries visa-free, ETA, or visa-on-arrival: 65 

Long-term armed conflict and global sanctions make Syrian passports among the least accepted in the world. Most visa-free or visa-on-arrival access is restricted to a handful of countries.

8. Yemen

Enhanced Mobility Score: 26.5 

Number of countries visa-free, ETA, or visa-on-arrival: 86 

As with many low-ranked passports, the ongoing conflict has contributed to a weak passport. Although Yemen performs marginally better in the Investment Index (164th), the country’s low performance in the Enhanced Mobility Index and Quality of Life Index results in the country being one of the weakest passports in the world.

9. Democratic Republic of the Congo

Enhanced Mobility Score: 30.4 

Number of countries visa-free, ETA, or visa-on-arrival: 80 

Corruption, poverty, and conflict each contribute to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s weak passport, with a low score in each of the areas that make up a strong passport: Mobility, investment opportunities, and quality of life.

10. Central African Republic

Enhanced Mobility Score: 34.7 

Number of countries visa-free, ETA, or visa-on-arrival: 94 

The Central African Republic has experienced severe security concerns, instability, and a fragile economy. The country performs slightly better when it comes to mobility, offering access to 94 countries, but performs quite low in the Investment Index and Quality of Life Index.

Weak passports not only block visa-free access but also:

• Delay embassy and visa processing
• Increase dependence on expensive visa services
• Limit eligibility for business relocation, education, or medical treatment abroad
• Reduce safety and mobility in crises (for example, during natural disasters or armed conflict)

The 2025 Global RCBI Report, described as “the most comprehensive and balanced comparison of global RCBI options to date”, underscores how mobility limitations of weak passports can be remedied through strategic investment migration.

If you’re a citizen of a country with limited passport strength, you may consider getting a second citizenship or residency in a more globally connected nation. This can be done through:

Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

Citizenship by Investment programs in countries like St. Kitts and Nevis, Malta, and Dominica offer legal, fast-tracked citizenship in exchange for a qualifying investment, such as a donation to a national fund or an approved business venture.

Residency by Investment (RBI)

Residency by Investment programs allow long-term residence and potential citizenship after a few years. Countries like Portugal, Greece, and Italy have attractive residency routes through qualifying investments or cultural donations.

Holding a second passport from a country with a stronger passport offers:

• Visa-free travel: The strongest passports offer visa-free access or ETA/visa-on-arrival to more than 180 countries
• A permanent Plan B: During political unrest or natural disasters, you can easily relocate.
• Offshore diversification: Access to better offshore banking and investment options.
• Lifestyle quality: Access better healthcare, infrastructure, and education opportunities.

For a complete 2026 list of the strongest passports in the world for global mobility and expat lifestyle, you can check out our article: 15 Strongest Passports in the World for 2026.

Here are the countries whose passports are considered the most beneficial for global mobility and expat lifestyle: