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Bangladesh’s passport power has declined in the 2025 Henley & Partners Passport Index, falling three spots to 100th place globally. This latest ranking, released by the UK-based firm, positions the Bangladeshi passport as the 7th weakest in the world. The index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and enhanced by Henley & Partners’ research team.
Key Findings of the 2025 Henley & Partners Passport Index
- Bangladesh shares 100th position: Along with Libya and the Palestinian Territories.
- Visa-free access reduced: Bangladeshi passport holders now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 40 destinations, down from 42 in the previous year.
- South Asian comparison: The Maldives leads the region at 53rd, followed by India (85th), Bhutan (90th), Sri Lanka (96th), Nepal (101st), and Pakistan (103rd).
- Global leaders: Singapore ranks 1st with visa-free access to 195 destinations, followed by Japan at 2nd (193 destinations).
- Weakest passports: Afghanistan remains at the bottom (106th) with access to only 26 destinations. Syria (105th), Iraq (104th), and Yemen (103rd) are slightly above.
Implications of Bangladesh’s Passport Ranking
The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa out of 227 travel destinations. A lower ranking signifies limited global mobility for Bangladeshi citizens, potentially impacting travel for tourism, business, and education.
Why is This Index Important?
The Henley & Partners Passport Index is a widely recognized authority on passport strength and a crucial indicator of global mobility trends. It reflects not just travel freedom but also a nation’s diplomatic relations and international standing.
Further Context
The 2024 ranking saw Bangladesh holding the 97th position. The continued slide in 2025 highlights the need for Bangladesh to improve its standing for easier international travel for its citizens
