Astana (TDI): Kazakhstan now holds the most travel-friendly passport in Central Asia, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks global travel documents based on the number of destinations accessible without a visa.
Kazakh passport holders can now travel to 79 countries without needing a visa in advance, placing the country at the top of the regional list and significantly enhancing its global mobility profile.
In the Central Asian region, Kyrgyzstan comes next, ranking 73rd globally with visa-free access to 63 destinations, closely followed by Uzbekistan at 74th, allowing entry into 62 countries. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan round out the regional standings, with 56 and 49 visa-free destinations respectively, placing them 80th and 85th worldwide.
The Henley Passport Index is updated quarterly and is widely regarded as a benchmark for global passport strength. It assigns one point for every destination a passport holder can visit without a visa or where a visa can be obtained on arrival, including electronic travel authorizations.
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No points are awarded where a visa is required ahead of time or where prior government approval is mandatory.
On the global stage, Singapore retains the No.1 spot for the second year running, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 countries. Japan and South Korea follow closely in second place, each offering access to 190 destinations without the need for advance visas.
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European nations continue to dominate the upper tiers of the index, with Germany, Spain, Finland, and Italy maintaining strong positions in the top 10.
Improved passport strength often reflects a country’s diplomatic efforts, trade relations, and international cooperation. For Kazakhstan, the improved ranking underscores its growing global connectivity and successful visa agreements with key partner nations.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
