Uzbekistan passport rises six places in global ranking

The passport of Uzbekistan has strengthened its position in the global ranking. According to updated 2026 data from the Henley Passport Index, the country has moved up to 74th place, with Uzbek citizens now able to travel visa-free to 59 destinations.

According to the index, Uzbekistan ranked 85th in 2023, improved to 80th place in both 2024 and 2025, and has now climbed to 74th. Overall, the country’s passport has risen 11 positions over the past two and a half years.

Among regional countries, Kazakhstan has one of the strongest passports, allowing visa-free access to 78 destinations. Kyrgyzstan shares 73rd place with Uzbekistan, while Tajikistan ranks 79th with access to 53 destinations. Turkmenistan is ranked 87th, with visa-free access to 45 destinations.

Russia is ranked 44th with access to 113 destinations, Belarus is in 58th place, and Azerbaijan ranks 66th with access to 67 destinations.

The ranking is topped by Singapore, whose passport allows visa-free travel to 192 destinations. It is followed by Japan and South Korea, whose citizens can travel to 187 destinations without a visa. Other countries in the top tier include the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, and Italy.

The least powerful passport is held by Afghanistan, whose citizens can access only 24 destinations without a visa, placing it at the bottom of the ranking. Other countries at the lower end include Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Somalia, North Korea, Nepal, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Sri Lanka, and Palestine.

The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking of travel freedom, measuring how many destinations can be accessed without a prior visa using a particular passport. The 2025 edition covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations worldwide.

The ranking is based on a points system linked to visa requirements. A passport receives one point if its holders can enter a destination visa-free. One point is also awarded if a visa on arrival, visitor’s permit, or electronic travel authorization (ETA) is available, provided no prior government approval is required. No points are given if a visa or e-visa must be obtained in advance with government approval.