Central Asia's Best Passport Still Ranks 101st for Kazakh Travellers Worldwide

Kazakhstan's passport places fourth among the 10 member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in a passport mobility ranking published by Passport Reports. Only Russia, China and Belarus rank higher among the group, and Kazakhstan's passport also sits 101st worldwide and first in Central Asia in the publisher's latest global list.

Key facts

• Fourth among 10 SCO member states for passport mobility
• Ranked ahead of Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, India, Iran and Pakistan
• 101st in Passport Reports' latest global passport ranking
• 1st in Central Asia
• Measures visa-free, visa on arrival and electronic travel authorisation (ETA) access

How does Kazakhstan compare within the SCO?

The full order of the 10 SCO member states in the ranking is Russia, China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, India, Iran and Pakistan. Kazakhstan therefore holds the highest position among the Central Asian members listed.

What exactly is being measured?

Passport Reports assesses passport mobility by counting the number of destinations a passport holder can visit without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or with an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). When passports earn the same mobility score, the ranking first considers how many visa-free destinations they offer, followed by access through electronic travel authorisations and then visas on arrival. Passports with identical results across all these categories share the same position.

Does SCO membership mean easier travel between member states?

No. The ranking covers overall international travel access for passport holders rather than visa-free arrangements between SCO countries. Membership of the organisation does not automatically give citizens visa-free entry to other member states, because each country sets its own border and visa policies.

What this means for travellers

Travellers using a Kazakh passport can use the ranking as a broad indication of how widely the passport is accepted, but it does not change any entry rule. SCO membership alone does not allow visa-free travel between member countries, so travellers should confirm the visa requirements of their specific destination before booking.

Passport Reports publishes its rankings on an ongoing basis; the source gives no date for the next update.