Kazakhstan's passport has become the strongest in Central Asia

Where the Kazakhstan passport ranks

In the overall standings, Kazakhstan placed 109th, the best result among its neighbors. It is followed by Uzbekistan (123rd), Kyrgyzstan (127th), Tajikistan (140th), and Turkmenistan (144th). Turkey ranked 96th, while Azerbaijan took 126th place.

Screenshot: globalcitizensolutions.com

According to the study's authors, a Kazakhstan’s passport provides visa-free access to 48 countries. Visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival options are available for destinations including China, Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Andorra.

Travel to approximately 85 destinations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Japan, still requires obtaining a visa in advance.

In specific categories, Kazakhstan ranked 112th for international mobility, 61st for investment attractiveness, and 112th for quality of life.

About the index

The Global Passport Index 2026 evaluates the passports of 197 countries and territories. Unlike most similar studies, it considers more than just the number of visa-free destinations. The final score is based on 14 indicators across three major pillars: enhanced mobility, investment potential, and quality of life.

The researchers noted that a modern passport reflects not only freedom of movement but also the opportunity to live, work, conduct business, and enjoy the benefits of citizenship. The enhanced mobility index carries the most weight, accounting for 50 percent of the total score.

Other factors include economic stability, taxation, investment conditions, safety, the quality of healthcare and education, infrastructure, environmental standards, level of freedom, and openness to foreigners.

Leaders and laggards

Sweden maintained its first-place position in the overall ranking, scoring 96.05 out of 100. The top five also includes Switzerland, Finland, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Illustration: globalcitizensolutions.com

Afghanistan ranked last. Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen, and Syria also appeared at the bottom of the list.

According to the study, Singapore led in international mobility and investment attractiveness, while Northern European countries demonstrated the highest quality of life scores.

The authors also observed that the gap between the strongest and weakest passports continues to widen. They suggest that despite discussions regarding international travel liberalization, the global mobility system is becoming increasingly unequal.

Earlier this spring, the Kazakhstani passport climbed the global Henley Passport Index. According to updated data for 2026, the country rose to 57th place, with Kazakhstani citizens able to visit 78 countries without a visa.