The Worst Passport in the World: A Look at Afghanistan’s Travel Woes
As travelers around the world hold the coveted blue or burgundy passports that grant them access to nearly every corner of the globe, there are some that hold a passport that is considered the worst in the world. That passport belongs to the citizens of Afghanistan, a country that has faced decades of conflict and turmoil, leading to severe restrictions on their ability to travel freely.
The Afghan passport is ranked at the bottom of the list in terms of international travel access. According to the Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on the number of countries their holders can enter without a visa, the Afghan passport is currently ranked 110 out of 110, making it the least powerful passport in the world. Afghan passport holders can only visit 26 countries visa-free, a stark contrast to the 191 countries that citizens of Japan and Singapore can visit without a visa.
The limited travel access for Afghan passport holders is a major barrier for many citizens who are looking to travel for work, education, or to visit family members. The restrictive nature of the Afghan passport can have significant impacts on the lives of its citizens, limiting their opportunities for personal and professional growth.
One of the main reasons behind the poor ranking of the Afghan passport is the ongoing conflict and instability in the country. The Afghan government is often unable to establish secure relations with other countries, leading to restrictions on travel for its citizens. Additionally, many countries view Afghan passport holders as a security risk, which further limits their ability to travel freely.
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the challenges faced by Afghan passport holders. With many countries closing their borders and implementing strict travel restrictions, those with limited travel access have found themselves even more isolated from the rest of the world. The inability to travel freely has also impacted the economy of Afghanistan, as many citizens rely on international travel for work and trade.
Despite the challenges faced by Afghan passport holders, there have been some recent efforts to improve the situation. In 2019, the Afghan government announced plans to launch a digital passport system that would streamline the application process and improve security measures. The system aims to provide a more efficient way for citizens to apply for passports and travel visas, in the hopes of increasing travel access for Afghan passport holders.
Additionally, international organizations and non-profit groups have been working to support Afghan passport holders in their efforts to travel abroad. Programs like the Scholar Rescue Fund, which helps at-risk scholars find safe havens and continue their academic work, have provided assistance to many Afghan citizens looking to travel for education and research purposes.
While these efforts are a step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done to improve the travel access for Afghan passport holders. The ongoing conflict and instability in the country continue to be major obstacles, but with continued support and advocacy, there is hope that the situation can improve in the future.
For now, the Afghan passport remains one of the worst in the world, limiting the opportunities and freedoms of its citizens. As the country works towards stability and peace, it is essential that efforts are made to improve travel access for Afghan passport holders, allowing them to connect with the rest of the world and pursue their dreams and aspirations.
