COLOMBO, Sept 18: The Sri Lankan passport has slipped six places since March 2025, ranking 97th out of 105 countries in the latest Henley Passport Index, signaling a further decline in global travel access for its citizens.
The country, which climbed to 91st earlier this year from 96th in 2024, now shares the 97th spot with sanctions-hit Iran. Palestine and North Korea, facing severe humanitarian and political crises, rank just below at 99th.
Sri Lanka’s passport currently offers visa-free access to 41 destinations, down from 42 earlier this year. The country’s highest-ever ranking was 74th in 2006.
Djibouti now holds the 91st position previously occupied by Sri Lanka. Countries with weaker passports than Sri Lanka include Sudan, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Libya, North Korea, Palestine, Nepal, Somalia, Pakistan, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.
At the top of the 2025 index, Singapore retains its position as the world’s most powerful passport, followed by South Korea and Japan, offering visa-free access to 84% of the world.
The Henley Passport Index, based on data from 199 passports and 227 destinations, remains the most authoritative ranking of global mobility. A related Henley Passport Power Index, which links passport strength to economic power, places Sri Lanka 173rd out of 179 countries, trailing even North Korea and Palestine.