Bangladesh Moves Up in Global Passport Strength Index

Bangladesh has climbed one spot in the global passport strength index, moving from 182nd to 181st in 2025, according to the latest report by Dubai-based consultancy firm Nomad Capitalist.

The Nomad Capitalist Global Passport Index 2025 ranks passports worldwide based on five key factors: visa-free access, taxation, global perception, dual citizenship opportunities, and personal freedom. Bangladesh scored 38 overall this year.

Currently, Bangladeshi passport holders can travel to 50 countries either visa-free, with a visa on arrival, or an e-visa.

However, in the global perception category, Bangladesh scored just 30. According to the report, countries scoring below 50 in this category often face unfriendly receptions abroad, meaning Bangladeshi travellers may encounter challenges with international hospitality.

In personal freedom, Bangladesh scored a low 10 — the minimum level in the index. The report suggests that scores between 10 and 20 reflect very limited citizen freedoms.

Ireland topped the index in 2025, with a score of 109, granting its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 176 countries. Switzerland and Greece followed closely in joint second place, each scoring 108.5 and access to 175 destinations.

Portugal ranked fourth, while Malta and Italy shared fifth place in the global standings.

In South Asia, the Maldives leads with the strongest passport, ranking 104th globally with a score of 65.5 and access to 101 countries without a visa or with visa-on-arrival options.

Afghanistan remains at the bottom globally and regionally, ranked 199th with a score of 27. Pakistan followed at 195th with a score of 32, placing it among the world’s five weakest passports.

Bangladesh edged ahead of Pakistan at 181st, just behind Nepal, which holds the 180th position with a score of 39.5.

India ranks 148th with a score of 47.5, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 75 countries, while Sri Lanka stands at 168th.