Sri Lanka’s Passport Ranked Third Strongest in South Asia

Sri Lanka’s passport has been recognized as the third strongest in South Asia, according to the latest global rankings, underscoring improved global mobility for Sri Lankan citizens. The ranking positions Sri Lanka just behind the Maldives and India, highlighting its growing stature in international travel freedom.

This achievement reflects progress in enhancing travel opportunities for Sri Lankans, enabling them to connect with the world more easily. Within the region, Sri Lanka notably outpaces Bangladesh (ranked 100th), Nepal (101st), and Pakistan (103rd). Afghanistan, however, remains at the bottom of the global index, ranking 106th, with its citizens granted visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 26 destinations.

The ranking is part of a broader global assessment, which this year has crowned Singapore as the holder of the world’s most powerful passport. Singapore’s citizens enjoy visa-free access to an impressive 195 destinations out of 227, marking its return to the top position after several years of Japan dominating the rankings.

This development has important implications for Sri Lanka, not only as a measure of its global standing but also as a testament to ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and expand international relationships. Enhanced passport strength translates to increased opportunities for Sri Lankan travelers-be it for tourism, education, or business-and positions the country as a key player in South Asia’s travel landscape.

Speaking about the achievement, a spokesperson for Sri Lanka’s Immigration and Emigration Department commented, “This ranking is a reflection of our nation’s efforts to foster international goodwill and strengthen our global partnerships. It’s a moment of pride for all Sri Lankans as we continue to build bridges with the world.”

Globally, the rankings also highlight shifting trends in international mobility. While Singapore reclaims the top spot, countries like Japan and South Korea remain in leading positions, illustrating the significant value placed on seamless global travel access.

For Sri Lanka, this recognition is a step forward in its journey to becoming a more connected and accessible nation. It inspires optimism about future initiatives to further strengthen the country’s global standing and offer its citizens even greater mobility in the years to come.