Kazakhstan Tops Central Asia in Latest Global Passport Rankings

According to the latest update of the Henley Passport Index, Kazakhstan boasts the most powerful passport in Central Asia. The index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations accessible to holders without requiring a visa. Kazakh citizens can now travel to 79 countries visa-free.

Following Kazakhstan in the regional ranking is Kyrgyzstan, whose passport ranks 73rd globally with access to 63 countries. Uzbekistan is close behind in 74th place, with 62 visa-free destinations. Tajikistan ranks 80th (56 countries), while Turkmenistan trails at 85th, with just 49 destinations accessible without a visa, The Caspian Post reports citing foreign media.

The Henley Passport Index calculates scores by awarding one point for each destination where no visa is required, or where travelers can obtain a visa on arrival, a visitor’s permit, or an electronic travel authorization. A score of zero is assigned if a visa is required prior to departure or if government pre-approval is needed for a visa on arrival.

On the global stage, Singapore retains the top spot for the second consecutive year, granting its passport holders visa-free access to 193 countries. Japan and South Korea share second place, each offering visa-free travel to 190 destinations. The top ten is dominated by European countries.