Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
Passport Nepal
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s passport has been ranked 97th in the world in the latest 2026 global passport rankings published by Henley & Partners, highlighting the country’s continued challenges in global travel mobility despite growing international engagement.
According to the Henley Passport Index 2026 Global Ranking, Nepali passport holders can currently access 35 destinations worldwide without obtaining a prior visa, placing Nepal alongside North Korea in the global rankings.
The index, regarded as one of the world’s most widely referenced measures of passport strength, ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter visa-free, obtain a visa on arrival, or secure an electronic travel authorization without a traditional visa application process.
Singapore Retains World’s Most Powerful Passport
The latest ranking shows that Singapore holds the world’s most powerful passport, providing visa-free access to 192 destinations globally. It is followed by Japan with access to 187 destinations, while several European nations dominate the top rankings.
Among South Asian countries, Nepal remains behind several regional peers. India ranks 78th with access to 56 destinations, while Sri Lanka ranks 94th with access to 39 destinations.
Nepal, however, remains ahead of countries such as Pakistan, which ranks 100th with access to 30 destinations, and Afghanistan, which remains at the bottom of the index with visa-free access to 23 destinations.
Indicator of Global Mobility
The Henley Passport Index is compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is widely used by governments, investors, businesses, and travelers to assess international mobility and travel freedom.
A stronger passport generally reflects broader diplomatic ties, favorable bilateral agreements, and higher levels of international trust, allowing citizens easier access to tourism, business opportunities, education, and international employment markets.
For Nepal, the ranking underscores the importance of strengthening diplomatic relations, expanding visa waiver agreements, and enhancing international cooperation to improve global mobility for Nepali citizens.
Growing Importance for Tourism and Business
The passport ranking comes at a time when Nepal is actively promoting tourism, foreign investment, labor migration, and international trade. Improved travel access can significantly benefit entrepreneurs, students, investors, and professionals by reducing travel barriers and facilitating global business engagement.
As Nepal seeks to position itself as an emerging destination for tourism, hydropower investment, information technology services, and international trade, policymakers and business leaders increasingly view passport strength as an important component of economic competitiveness and global connectivity.
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