Uganda's passport offers visa-free access to 65 countries, compared to Bangladesh's 35
Contrary to a common Bengali idiom that equates "Uganda" with disarray, the reality is that Uganda significantly outperforms Bangladesh in passport strength and international rankings. Ugandan passport holders can travel visa-free or with on-arrival visas to 65 countries worldwide. In stark contrast, Bangladeshi citizens have this privilege in only 35 countries.
This data comes from the latest Passport Index published by Henley & Partners, a London-based citizenship consulting firm. Singapore ranks highest globally, with its citizens able to travel to 192 countries without a prior visa. Afghanistan sits at the bottom of the list, with its citizens having visa-free or on-arrival access to only 22 countries.
While Bangladesh has moved up three spots to 97th in the rankings, the number of countries offering visa-free or on-arrival access has decreased. Initially, at the start of 2025, Bangladeshi citizens could travel to 37 countries under these terms. However, after two countries recently withdrew this facility, the number has fallen to 35. This decline is not a new trend; in early 2025, Bangladesh had access to 39 countries, and in early 2024, it was 42. Over the past two and a half years, the number of visa-free or on-arrival destinations for Bangladeshi passports has shrunk from 42 to 35.
The data highlights a significant disparity in international mobility afforded by Bangladeshi versus Ugandan passports, suggesting differing diplomatic engagement and reciprocal travel agreements. While the Henley Passport Index serves as a useful metric for global access, it reflects broader geopolitical relationships and national economic standing. The declining trend for Bangladesh indicates potential challenges in maintaining or expanding visa-free access, possibly linked to international perceptions of security, economic stability, or migration policies. Future diplomatic efforts could focus on strengthening bilateral ties and reassessing travel protocols to enhance global accessibility for Bangladeshi citizens, thereby potentially boosting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
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