According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, published by the UK-based global consultancy Henley & Partners, the Bangladeshi passport ranks 97th in the world, sharing the same position as North Korea. Bangladesh remains among the countries with the weakest passports globally.
Under the latest ranking, Bangladeshi passport holders can travel to 35 countries and territories without obtaining a visa in advance, either through visa-free access or visa-on-arrival.
The index is compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In South Asia, Maldives ranks 52nd, India 80th, and Bhutan 85th, all ahead of Bangladesh. Below Bangladesh are Nepal in 98th place, Pakistan in 101st, and Afghanistan, which ranks last at 104th.
Although Bangladesh’s ranking has seen slight changes compared to previous years, the country continues to lag behind in terms of global travel freedom. Most of the destinations available to Bangladeshi passport holders are in Asia and Africa, where travelers can enter either without a visa or by obtaining a visa on arrival.
World’s Most Powerful Passports
According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport, allowing its citizens visa-free access to 192 destinations.
Japan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) jointly occupy second place, with their passport holders enjoying access to 188 destinations without requiring a prior visa or through visa-on-arrival arrangements.
Sweden ranks third in the global passport rankings.
Henley & Partners noted that global travel mobility has improved significantly over the past two decades. In 2006, the average passport provided visa-free access to 58 destinations. By 2026, that number has increased to 108 destinations.
Despite this global progress, experts believe that the continued weakness of the Bangladeshi passport reflects the country’s limited diplomatic reach and the need for stronger international relations and expanded visa-free travel agreements.
