The difficulty of naturalisation typically depends on several factors, including minimum residency requirements, language proficiency standards, financial thresholds, cultural integration tests and restrictions on dual citizenship.

Some countries are also said to operate highly discretionary systems. Even if applicants technically meet eligibility criteria, final approval may rest with interior ministries or heads of state.

In short, strict timelines, limited approvals and political discretion combine to make certain passports exceptionally difficult to acquire.

The 10 hardest countries to get citizenship

Qatar

Qatar is widely cited as one of the most restrictive citizenship regimes in the world. Under Qatari law, foreigners must generally reside in the country for 25 years before applying, speak Arabic fluently and demonstrate good conduct. Even then, approvals are capped annually and granted at the discretion of authorities. Naturalisation numbers remain extremely low relative to the country’s large expatriate population.

Vatican City

Citizenship in Vatican City is not granted through traditional naturalisation. It is tied to employment or official roles within the Holy See. When a person’s service ends, Vatican citizenship typically ends as well, making it functionally impossible to obtain through standard residency pathways.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein requires long-term residence, often 30 years, though time spent as a minor may count differently, and approval at both municipal and national levels. According to Global Citizen Solutions, local community votes can influence decisions, making the process highly selective.

Bhutan

Bhutan’s citizenship framework is rooted in strict national identity laws. Applicants must meet lengthy residency requirements, demonstrate cultural assimilation and obtain government approval. The country maintains tight controls over naturalisation to preserve its demographic balance.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi citizenship is difficult to secure without lineage. While the kingdom introduced reforms allowing certain highly skilled professionals to apply, approvals remain rare. Applicants must meet residency, language and background requirements, and the process is highly discretionary.

Kuwait

Kuwait has one of the most restrictive nationality laws globally. Naturalisation is limited and often prioritises specific categories, such as long-standing residents with particular qualifications. Stateless populations in Kuwait highlight how tightly controlled citizenship remains.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s naturalisation process is rigorous and decentralised. Applicants typically need 10 years of residency, must demonstrate integration and language skills, and are assessed at federal, cantonal and municipal levels. Local authorities can reject applications based on community integration criteria.

China

China does not generally recognise dual citizenship and rarely grants naturalisation. According to official Chinese nationality law, applicants must have close relatives who are Chinese nationals or other legitimate reasons for approval, which are narrowly interpreted.

North Korea

Citizenship in North Korea is largely determined by birth and state classification systems. There is no transparent or accessible naturalisation pathway for foreign nationals.

Japan

Japan requires five years of residence for naturalisation, proof of financial stability and renunciation of previous citizenship in most cases. While not impossible, Passportivity notes that Japan’s prohibition on dual nationality and detailed background checks make the process demanding.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Historically, UAE citizenship was almost unattainable for expatriates. In 2021, the government introduced amendments allowing select investors, scientists and professionals to be nominated. However, approval remains invitation-based and tightly controlled.

The authorisation was handed over on Tuesday, February 17, during a ceremony attended by Somalia’s ambassador to Tanzania and the EAC, Ilyas Ali Hassan, Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, and Immigration Director General Mustafa Dhuhulow.

Ambassador Ilyas formally presented the approval document, clearing Somalia to produce passports that will be recognised across all EAC member states.

The East African e-Passport programme began in 2017 as member countries modernised travel documents. Kenya launched the rollout on September 1, 2017, followed by Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda. South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are still implementing the system.

"I had the honour to hand over the official decision authorising Somalia to adopt and print the EAC passport to the Minister of Internal Security and Director-General of Immigration and Citizenship," the ambassador said .

With approval secured, Somalia will now begin technical and administrative preparations, including updating immigration systems, setting up passport production, and coordinating recognition procedures with partner states.

The development follows a separate agreement between Somalia and Tanzania on immigration cooperation, introducing visa-on-arrival for diplomatic and service passport holders and simplifying entry procedures for ordinary travellers under agreed conditions .

Officials said the framework is expected to cut administrative hurdles while promoting trade, education, and professional exchanges. It also creates channels for information-sharing between immigration authorities and mechanisms to address operational issues, aiming to make regional travel smoother for citizens.

According to the Henley Passport Index 2026 , which ranks passports based on the number of destinations holders can access without a prior visa, a small group of countries now dominate global mobility, each leading their respective continents.

Asia

Singapore holds the title of the strongest passport globally in 2026. Singaporean passport holders can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations, the highest number recorded in the index.

This position reflects Singapore’s long-standing diplomatic reach, stable governance, and strong bilateral agreements. Henley & Partners notes that Asian countries have consistently expanded travel access over the past decade through targeted diplomacy and economic openness.

Europe

Europe continues to dominate the top tier. Five European countries: Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland share the title of Europe’s strongest passports, each offering visa-free access to 186 destinations.

The strength of European passports is closely linked to the Schengen Area, strong regional cooperation, and extensive reciprocal agreements with countries across the Americas, Asia, and Africa. According to Henley Passport Index data, Europe remains the continent with the largest concentration of high-ranking passports.

North America

In North America, Canada holds the strongest passport, with access to 181 countries without a prior visa.

Canada’s passport strength reflects its stable international relationships, low overstay risk, and strong standing in global diplomacy. While the United States remains highly ranked, Canada edges ahead in 2026 in terms of total visa-free destinations.

Oceania

New Zealand leads Oceania with a passport that allows visa-free travel to 183 destinations.

New Zealand’s strong ranking is driven by its reputation for political stability, low migration risk, and trusted border management. Henley data shows that New Zealand has steadily climbed the rankings over the last decade, often outperforming larger economies.

South America

In South America, Chile holds the strongest passport, granting access to 175 destinations.

Chile stands out for its extensive travel agreements with Europe, Asia, and North America, as well as its participation in regional blocs. It remains one of only a few South American countries with visa-free access to the United States’ ESTA system and parts of Asia.

Africa

On the African continent, Seychelles ranks highest, with visa-free access to 154 destinations.

Despite its small population, Seychelles benefits from an outward-looking foreign policy and strong tourism-driven diplomacy. Henley Passport Index data shows that Seychelles consistently outperforms much larger African economies in travel freedom.

Passport Power Rankings:

Passport strength is not just a reflection of diplomatic agreements; it also reflects economic stability, political trust, and global partnerships . A powerful passport can significantly improve access to global opportunities for education, employment, business, and personal freedom.

Experts at Henley & Partners note that mobility inequality remains high, even as the number of countries offering digital visas and visa waivers continues to grow. The gap between the top and bottom-ranked passports is now the widest it’s been in 20 years, highlighting continued global travel inequality.

A cyberattack in March 2024 crippled passport services and forced the government to use a temporary setup that caused serious issues for Malawians at home and abroad.

Some travellers were arrested, stopped at border posts, or faced long delays due to problems with scanning.  

The new platform includes electronic passports with chips, online applications and bookings, and more ways to pay, including mobile money.

It also meets international travel standards. Officials say passport services will now be offered in more areas, and backlogs will be cleared in under a month.

Lilongwe is the first city to start using the system, with other centres expected to begin next week.

In a statement, Homeland Security Minister Ezekiel Peter Ching’oma thanked citizens for their patience and confirmed the full return of services.

To help travellers, Malawi will send copies of the new passport to foreign governments to make sure Malawians are not stopped at airports or borders.

The government says it hopes the new system will restore trust and ease international travel for thousands of people .

The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations.

With monthly updates, the Henley Passport Index is considered the standard reference tool for global citizens and sovereign states when assessing where a passport ranks on the global mobility spectrum.

According to the latest report, Singapore leads globally with visa-free access to 195 destinations, while neighbouring Malaysia ranks 11th with access to 181 countries

In Latin America , Chile and Argentina score highly, ranked 14th and 16th respectively with visa-free access to 176 and 170 destinations

Brazil shares 16th place, and Mexico is positioned 22nd with access to 158 destinations

Other Global South nations in the top 20 include Seychelles (24th), St Vincent and the Grenadines (24th), and St Kitts and Nevis (25 th ).

Globally, the top five passports belong to Singapore, Japan, Finland, Denmark, and France, offering access to 195, 193, 192, 191, and 189 destinations respectively.

Below is the list of top 20 countries within the global south with some of the strongest passports according to country, rank in 2025, and access.

Singapore - 1 st - 193

United Arab Emirates - 8th - 184

Malaysia - 11th - 181

Chile - 14th - 176

Argentina - 16th - 170

Brazil - 16th - 170

Hong Kong - 17th - 169

Mexico - 22nd - 158

Seychelles - 24th - 156

St. Vincent and Grenadines - 24th - 156

St Kitts and Nevis - 25th - 154

Costa Rica - 27 th - 149

Mauritius - 27th - 149

Panama - 28th - 148

Trinidad and Tobago - 28th - 148

Granada - 29th - 147

St Lucia - 30th - 146

Dominica - 32nd - 143

Peru - 32nd - 143

Taiwan - 33rd - 139

The move will offer a faster path to citizenship compared to Argentina’s current rules, which require two years of permanent residency before applying.

Instead, the investment programme will give eligible applicants direct access to Argentine citizenship, according to Nomad Capitalist , a firm that advises international investors.

“The focus is on job-generating contributions, not real estate or donations,” Isabela Schrotke, a researcher at the firm said.

According to her, government is working on two legal decrees to ensure the programme is built on a solid foundation and can withstand legal challenges.

Supporters of the new programme say it comes at a time of major change in Argentina.

President Javier Milei, who took office in December 2023, has introduced tough reforms aimed at stabilising the country’s economy.

Inflation has started to slow, and Argentina has reported a budget surplus for the first time in years.

The citizenship opportunity will allow foreigners who have an Argentine passport to travel visa-free to 172 destinations and give them the right to live and work in other Mercosur nations, including Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

However, the proposal has drawn some criticism.

Experts warn that Argentina’s political history and long distance from global business hubs may make it less attractive to some investors.

Some legal issues have also been raised, including the fact that citizens will be considered under local law , which could have tax or legal consequences depending on the person’s other nationality.

They will also be banned from holding a Pakistani passport for five years.

The decision comes after rising complaints from countries, especially in the Middle East , about Pakistani nationals involved in begging and illegal migration.

Officials say many of those deported have caused embarrassment to the country.

A high-level meeting in Islamabad agreed that First Information Reports would be filed against deportees as soon as they arrive in Pakistan.

The Ministry of Interior has also formed a committee to suggest stricter passport checks and better screening of applicants.

The move follows reports that around 4,000 Pakistani nationals, mostly beggars, were deported from Saudi Arabia between 2022 and the end of 2024.

More recently, over 100 deportees arrived from European countries, many accused of fraud or travelling without proper documents.

The government says it will not issue new passports to people who have been deported, and will also take action against travel agents involved in human smuggling.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry believes the decision was pushed by China , which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.

In a statement, the ministry said , “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly protested Somalia's action made under the instigation of China to restrict the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese nationals and has demanded that the Somali government immediately revoke the notice.”

So far, Somalia has not said anything about the ban but China welcomed the move and called it a show of support for the "one-China principle."

A Chinese government spokesperson told journalists that the ban was “a legitimate measure.”

The ban may be connected to Taiwan’s close ties with Somaliland.

Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 and now runs its own government, although it is not officially recognised by any country.

In 2020, Taiwan and Somaliland opened embassies in each other’s capitals, which made both China and Somalia angry.

Taiwan is a self-ruled island with its own government, laws, and elections. However, most countries do not officially recognise it as a separate country due to pressure from China.

Taiwanese officials are now warning people not to travel to Somalia or Somaliland until the ban is lifted.

The Home Ministry sent a letter to the Department of Immigration and Passports on April 7 asking them to put the line back. A senior official from the ministry confirmed the decision on April 13.

Bangladeshi passports will once again say, “This passport is valid for all countries of the world except Israel.”

The move comes as many people in Bangladesh are showing anger over Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza. Large crowds gathered in Dhaka over the weekend to demand an end to the violence against Palestinians.

“This is not just about words on a passport,” said Nilima Afroze, a deputy secretary at the Home Ministry. “It’s a reflection of the country’s policy and public feeling.”

Bangladesh has never had diplomatic ties with Israel. The country has long supported the Palestinian cause and continues to call for peace in the Middle East .

According to him, having a passport is a citizen’s right and questioned why police checks were needed when they are not required for birth certificates or national ID cards.

The decision comes after years of complaints about corruption and delays in the police verification process.

Local reports indicate that many people struggled to get their passports on time because of unnecessary checks and demands for extra payments.

By removing police verification, the government hopes to make the passport application process faster and easier for everyone.

The three countries, all led by military governments, say the passport will replace the ECOWAS passport. However, people can still use their ECOWAS passports until they expire. Citizens are encouraged to register for the new AES passport.

Why these countries have left ECOWAS

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger left ECOWAS in January 2024, accusing the regional group of not supporting them enough in their fight against terrorism.

They also claim ECOWAS was siding with France, their former colonial power. The withdrawal became official on January 29, 2025.

Since leaving, they have strengthened military and political ties with Russia and other countries. They are also working on forming a joint military force of 5,000 soldiers to fight insurgents in the Sahel region.

What it means for travellers

Before leaving ECOWAS, citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger could travel visa-free to other West African countries. Now, it is not clear if they will need visas to visit ECOWAS nations.

For now, ECOWAS has advised its member states to continue recognising passports from these three countries until further notice. But in the future, travellers may face new border rules, longer checks, or higher fees.

People with family in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger may also face travel difficulties. Many West African families have relatives across borders, especially in areas like Nigeria-Niger and Ghana-Burkina Faso. If new visa rules come in, visiting loved ones may become harder and more expensive.

ECOWAS response

ECOWAS says it will keep its doors open if the three countries want to return. It has also given them a six-month grace period until July to reconsider.

In the meantime, ECOWAS has urged its members to continue allowing trade with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger under the usual agreements. The regional body says it wants to avoid confusion and economic harm during this transition.

However, leaving ECOWAS means these countries will no longer enjoy duty-free trade within the bloc. Since all three are landlocked, they rely on coastal nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin for international trade. If new tariffs and border restrictions are introduced, goods could become more expensive, affecting businesses and consumers.

What happens next?

The launch of the new passport marks a major shift in West Africa. It signals that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are moving further away from ECOWAS and towards their own independent alliance.

While the full impact is still unclear, many experts believe this split could reshape travel, trade, and security in the region. For now, citizens will have to wait and see how governments handle the changes in the months ahead.

Since the app was launched in January, many users have praised it for saving time. Writer Ang Yee Shyuan, 44, said she no longer had to line up for hours outside the Immigration Department at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Komtar.

“I didn’t have to arrive early and wait outside for a queue number. The process was very smooth,” she told reporters .

Ang, who applied with her two children, completed the entire process in about an hour, including receiving their passports.

An official from the Immigration Department said the QMS app allocates queue numbers daily at 6 a.m. based on the office’s capacity.

On weekdays, three counters operate, offering 200 to 300 slots, while weekends have around 150 slots with just one counter open.

The system has also made exceptions for senior citizens aged 60 and above, as well as individuals with disabilities. They can still walk into the office to apply for or renew their passports without booking through the app.

The QMS app has helped reduce crowds and improve the efficiency of passport applications, making the process much more convenient for travellers.

“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, effective from the beginning of this year,” Akufo-Addo told lawmakers in his last speech before leaving office.

The decision aims to boost Africa’s integration and supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a united and connected Africa by 2063.

Ghana becomes the fifth African country to introduce visa-free travel for Africans, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin.

Officials believe the move will promote trade, tourism, and investment. It also aligns with Ghana’s role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat, reinforcing the country’s leadership in African unity.

Spain claimed second place with a score of 179, edging out Germany. Spanish passport holders can travel visa-free to 134 countries, access 45 countries with visas on arrival, and need pre-arranged visas for 19 countries, placing them slightly behind the UAE in terms of overall accessibility.

European nations continued to dominate the top rankings, with Finland rising to third, surpassing both France and Italy. France, with a score of 178, retained its position as the strongest passport among G20 nations.

Kosovo made the most improvement this year, gaining 35 mobility points after it entered into the Schengen Zone, which greatly boosted its ranking.

The United States and the United Kingdom on the other hand saw significant declines in their rankings. The UK, once a top 10 contender in 2017, dropped to 32nd place, losing 10 positions. The US also fell, dropping from 27th place last year to 38th, making it the weakest passport among the G7 nations. China’s passport ranked 110th.

Other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries also saw their rankings, with Qatar in 95th place, offering 76 visa-free destinations, 44 visa-on-arrival options, and 78 countries requiring pre-arranged visas. Kuwait followed closely in 96th place.

Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey launched the new e-passport in the capital, Accra.

According to her, it meets international aviation standards and will secure Ghanaians' identities.

“This is not just an upgrade in technology. It reflects our dedication to efficiency and security,” she was quoted by local news reports .

The e-passport has a microchip storing biometric and photo data, along with anti-fraud features.

These upgrades make it harder to tamper with the document or access personal information without permission.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, the first recipient of the e-passport, praised its added security and improved application process.

He said it would eliminate unauthorised agents from the process.

The chip-embedded passport is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year. It is part of Ghana’s broader digitisation agenda aimed at making services faster and more secure for citizens.

Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate’s finance committee confirmed this during recent budget discussions.

According to her, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) flagged 1,627 birth certificates as fake after an investigation.

Out of the number she said, 18 were cancelled by the Office of the Solicitor General after endorsement.

“[A total of] 1,627 birth certificates of foreign nationals were blocked by the PSA after its investigation, finding the documents to be spurious. The names of foreign nationals were shared with the Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs, and [the] National Bureau of Immigration,” Poe was quoted .

The issue was raised by another Senator Risa Hontiveros who highlighted that some foreign nationals misuse late registration processes to get fake Filipino citizenship.

The proliferation of birth certificates has been a concern in the Philippines. In 2023 alone, over 300 fake documents were reportedly used by foreigners and Filipinos to apply for Philippine passports.

The three Alliance of Sahel States will be launching the new passport in the coming days as part of their withdrawal from the wider regional bloc Ecowas.

The three indicated plans to exit Ecowas after a series of coups between 2020 and 2023 earned them sanctions from Ecowas.

Goita who is also acting president of the Sahel alliance revealed plans to launch a joint service that will promote information between all three states.

"In the coming days, a new biometric passport of the [alliance] will be put into circulation with the aim of harmonising travel documents in our common area," Malian junta leader Col Assimi Goïta was quoted .

Prior to this, Burkina Faso had revealed plans to launch a new biometric passport without the Ecowas logo.

It remains unclear how the new passports will affect travelling within Ecowas states where nationals of these countries enjoyed visa-free movement using the Ecowas passport.

Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said in July that the region risked disintegration and worsening insecurity after junta-led Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger made clear their intentions to leave the bloc by signing a confederation treaty.

Here are the top 10 African countries with the strongest passports:

These rankings highlight the varying degrees of travel freedom enjoyed by citizens of different African nations. The strength of a passport can significantly impact a person's ability to travel for business, education , or leisure, making it a crucial aspect of global mobility.

Here are 5 countries with such passports :

Afghanistan

Topping the list of the world's worst passports, Afghan citizens can access only 28 destinations without a visa. The ongoing conflict and political instability in the country contribute to its limited mobility.

Syria

With visa-free access to just 29 destinations, Syria's passport ranks as the second least powerful. The prolonged civil war and resulting humanitarian crisis have severely impacted its global mobility.

Iraq

Iraqi passport holders can visit only 31 destinations without a visa. The country's history of conflict and instability continues to restrict its citizens' travel opportunities.

Pakistan

Pakistan's passport allows visa-free access to 34 destinations. Security concerns and diplomatic challenges have contributed to its low ranking on the Henley Passport Index.

Yemen

Regarding the list, Yemeni citizens can travel to 35 destinations without a visa. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian issues in Yemen have significantly limited the power of its passport.

The Henley Passport Index serves as a reminder of the profound impact that a passport's power can have on an individual's freedom and opportunities.

The island nation has made significant progress, climbing from the 46th globally in 2006 to its 24th position in 2024.

In Africa, Seychelles is followed by Mauritius, which ranks 28th globally with visa-free access to 150 destinations. South Africa comes next, allowing its citizens to travel to 108 countries without a visa. Other notable mentions include Botswana, Namibia and Lesotho.

Globally, the most powerful passport belongs to Singapore as it offers visa-free access to over 159 destinations. European countries also dominate the top ranks, with Germany, Spain, France, and Italy among the leaders.

A passport's strength reflects a country's global status and citizens' travel freedom.

Henley's ranking is derived from exclusive data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the world's largest and most accurate travel information database, and is further refined by Henley & Partners’ research team. Expert insights on the latest ranking can be found in the Global Mobility Report 2024.

In the 2024 Henley Global Passport Rankings, the Seychelles passport is the top-ranked in Africa and 24th globally, allowing visa-free access to 156 countries. Mauritius and South Africa follow, ranking 2nd and 3rd in Africa. Mauritius is 28th globally with access to 150 countries, while South Africa is 47th globally with access to 106 countries, Tech Labari reports.

First female prison commissioner of Seychelles takes office

Janet Georges has become the first female prison commissioner in Seychelles, replacing Raymond St Ange. She aims to focus on inmate rehabilitation and restorative justice. SNA reports that the government is also funding the construction of high-security prisons to enhance the rehabilitation process. Georges, a former police officer and successful weightlifter, is ready to take on the new role.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism mourns late consul

With profound sadness, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism announced the passing of Mr. Marko Smole, Seychelles Honorary Consul in Slovenia since December 1995. He served with dedication and unwavering commitment. The Ministry extends its deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time. Mr. Smole’s absence will be greatly felt at the upcoming biennial Honorary Consuls Conference this October, as shared by Africa.com.

Red Cross Society of Seychelles seeks aid to renovate HQ

The Red Cross Society of Seychelles is appealing for aid to renovate its headquarters after an explosion on December 7, 2023, caused significant damage. According to SNA , the building has not been thoroughly repaired due to a lack of resources, impacting their ability to provide necessary assistance to those in need. Despite the state of its headquarters, the Red Cross is committed to continuing its work and is seeking assistance to address the extensive damage.

Victoria Waterfront tenders for Zones B&D relaunched

The Seychelles Investment Board has relaunched tender submissions for the Victoria Waterfront project for Zones B and D. The relaunch was prompted by objections during the initial bidding process. Submissions must now be made in person or by proxy. The project is part of the approved Victoria Masterplan 2040 and aims to make the capital, Victoria, livelier as reported by SNA . The relaunch for Zone D was necessary due to delays. The SIB plans to complete the tender process for the entire project by the end of the year.

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