A passport is meant to be a gateway to the world, granting its holder the ability to travel freely. However, some passports severely limit this freedom, making international travel nearly impossible.
The Afghan passport has been consistently ranked as the least powerful globally by the Henley Passport Index, which evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. As of 2024, Afghan citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 26 countries and territories, placing it at the bottom of the index.
Similarly, the Passport Index by Arton Capital ranks the Afghan passport 91st globally, granting access to 40 countries without a visa.
These rankings highlight the significant travel restrictions faced by Afghan passport holders, underscoring the challenges they encounter in accessing international opportunities.
The Least Powerful Passport in the World
Afghanistan currently holds the least powerful passport in the world, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 28 destinations. In contrast, Singapore’s passport—the strongest globally—grants access to 195 countries without requiring a visa beforehand.
Why Does Passport Strength Matter?
The power of a passport directly impacts a citizen’s ability to travel for tourism, education, work, or even seeking asylum. Countries with weak passports often struggle with political instability, economic hardship, or strained diplomatic relations, leading to strict visa requirements from other nations.
Factors That Make a Passport ‘Useless’
- Limited Visa-Free Access – When a passport allows entry to only a handful of countries without a visa, international travel becomes highly restricted.
- Strict Visa Requirements – Many countries impose expensive, time-consuming, and uncertain visa application processes on citizens from certain nations.
- Political & Economic Challenges – Countries experiencing war, corruption, or economic collapse often have passports that are globally devalued.
- Global Security Risks – Nations linked to terrorism, crime, or fraud may see their passports heavily restricted.
- Lack of Diplomatic Agreements – Countries with minimal international relations tend to have fewer visa exemptions.
How Much Does the Most Useless Passport Cost?
The cost of obtaining an Afghan passport varies based on its validity and location:
- 5-year validity: 5,000 Afghanis (approx. $100 USD)
- 10-year validity: 10,000 Afghanis (approx. $200 USD)
For Afghan citizens abroad, the fees depend on the consulate or embassy issuing the passport.
Do Nigerians Live in Afghanistan?
While Afghanistan is not a common destination for Nigerians, official records indicate no registered Nigerian citizens living there. The Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Singapore and Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) both confirmed in 2021 that there were no known Nigerian members in Afghanistan. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that a few Nigerians have lived and worked there unofficially.
A passport should serve as a key to global mobility, but for some citizens, it becomes a barrier instead. The label “useless passport” reflects the reality that political instability, weak diplomatic ties, and security concerns can strip citizens of their right to explore the world freely.