Uzbekistan has dropped 2 positions over the year in the Passport Index world ranking of passport power, ranking 71st out of 97. Last year, the country was 69th.
When compiling the index, the Canadian consulting company Arton Capital evaluated passports based on how many countries their holders can visit either without a visa or receive a visa upon arrival in the country.
In the ranking, the passport of the United Arab Emirates is recognized as the strongest with visa-free access to 125 countries, and Afghanistan is the weakest country with visa-free access to only five countries.
Among the countries of Central Asia, Kazakhstan (53rd place), Kyrgyzstan (67th) are in the best position, and Tajikistan (72nd place) and Turkmenistan (79th) are in the worst position. Immediately above Uzbekistan is Zimbabwe, and below is Cambodia.
The reason for the low rating of Uzbek passports is that citizens of the country can visit only 26 countries without a visa, and visas for another 45 countries are obtained after arriving at their destination. Visiting 127 countries for Uzbeks is possible only after obtaining a visa in advance.