The Passport Index recently released its annual ranking of the world’s worst passports to have in 2021, and the results are not surprising. Coming in at the bottom of the list is Afghanistan, with the country’s passport allowing for visa-free access to only 26 destinations around the world. This makes it one of the least powerful passports in the world, restricting its citizens’ ability to travel freely.
Following closely behind Afghanistan are several other countries with notoriously weak passports, including Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. These passports offer limited visa-free access to only a handful of countries, making it difficult for their citizens to travel internationally without facing bureaucratic hurdles.
One of the main factors contributing to the low ranking of these passports is the political and economic instability in these countries. Ongoing conflicts, terrorism threats, and poor diplomatic relations with other countries all contribute to the limited travel opportunities for citizens holding these passports.
For example, Iraq has been embroiled in a series of conflicts and political instability for decades, making it challenging for its citizens to travel abroad. Similarly, Syria has been plagued by a civil war that has devastated the country’s infrastructure and economy, further restricting the travel opportunities for its citizens.
In addition to political and economic instability, these countries also face issues related to security and terrorism. Many countries are wary of granting visa-free access to citizens from these countries due to concerns about terrorism and security threats. As a result, citizens holding these passports often face strict visa requirements and lengthy processing times when traveling abroad.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the challenges faced by citizens from these countries. Many countries have implemented strict travel restrictions and border closures in response to the pandemic, making it even more difficult for citizens from countries with weak passports to travel internationally.
In light of these challenges, many citizens from these countries are looking for ways to improve their travel options. Some are seeking second citizenship through investment programs or seeking asylum in other countries to gain access to more powerful passports. However, these options are not available to everyone, and many citizens are left with limited opportunities for international travel.
While the ranking of the world’s worst passports may change from year to year, the challenges faced by citizens holding these passports are unlikely to improve without significant political and economic changes in their countries. In the meantime, these citizens will continue to face barriers to international travel, limiting their opportunities for personal and professional growth.
As the world works to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuild global travel networks, it is important to remember the challenges faced by citizens from countries with weak passports. By addressing the root causes of these challenges, such as political instability, economic hardship, and security threats, we can work towards a more equitable and accessible global travel system for all citizens.
