Nepal’s passport ranks 99th as lawmakers debate proposed Passport Act amendments

Kathmandu, October 9, 2026 — Nepal’s passport ranked 99th in the September 2026 Henley Passport Index, as lawmakers consider amendments to the Passport Act aimed at improving passport services, preventing misuse and strengthening document security.

The government’s bill to amend the Passport Act, 2019, is undergoing clause-wise deliberation at the House of Representatives’ International Relations and Tourism Committee. The proposed changes seek to simplify passport services and align Nepal’s passport system with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

However, changes to domestic passport laws alone are unlikely to improve Nepal’s international ranking, which primarily reflects the number of destinations passport holders can enter without obtaining a visa in advance.

Nepal ranked 97th in May, with access to 35 destinations, before falling to 98th in July, with access to 34 destinations, and 99th in September. Although the ranking has improved from 101st in early 2025, the recent decline highlights the challenges facing Nepal’s efforts to expand international travel access for its citizens.

Singapore topped the September index, with access to 192 destinations. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates jointly ranked second, each with access to 188 destinations.

Among South Asian countries, the Maldives ranked 53rd, with access to 93 destinations; India ranked 82nd, with 55; Bhutan ranked 89th, with 47; Sri Lanka ranked 95th, with 39; and Bangladesh ranked 98th, with 35. Pakistan ranked 102nd, while Afghanistan was placed 105th.

Foreign Ministry officials say the index measures visa-free and visa-on-arrival access available to passport holders. Factors including visa overstays, asylum applications, irregular migration, passport misuse and forged documents can affect other countries’ confidence in travellers from Nepal.

The proposed amendments seek to address some of these concerns by strengthening safeguards against fraudulent documents and passport misuse. Verification procedures, record matching and reporting through Interpol could help improve confidence in Nepal’s passport system. However, reducing irregular migration and visa overstays would also require broader policy measures and sustained diplomatic engagement.