Maldives leads South Asian countries in global passport ranking
Ranked 58th globally, the Maldivian passport allows visa-free access to 94 destinations.
In a striking demonstration of enhanced global mobility, the Maldives has emerged as a leader among South Asian nations in the Henley Passport Index 2024.
Ranked 58th globally, the Maldivian passport allows visa-free access to 94 destinations, a significant achievement in international diplomacy and travel freedom.
The Maldivian passport was ranked 61st globally in the 2023 ranking.
Contrasting sharply with the Maldives' success, Pakistan sits at the lower end of the spectrum, ranked 101st with visa-free access to just 34 destinations. This disparity underscores the varying degrees of global access and diplomatic ties within the region.
Neighbouring countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka also exhibit diverse rankings. India's passport, ranked 80th, offers access to 62 destinations. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, at 96th place, provides its passport holders with the ability to visit 43 destinations without prior visa arrangements.
These rankings not only reflect the individual diplomatic efforts of these nations but also highlight the broader geopolitical dynamics influencing travel and international relations in South Asia.
