Passport Privilege: A Third World Traveler’s Perspective

How often have you come across the term “passport privilege”? If you’re someone from a developed country with a stable economy—or perhaps you belong to a country where lighter skin tones are more common—then this term might be unfamiliar to you.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Muhammad Talha, and I’m a Pakistani national who dreams of exploring every corner of the globe. But, alas, with my green passport—often perceived as a symbol of national security threats or worse, terrorism—traveling isn’t as straightforward as it is for others. While it might sound harsh, the reality is that having a “third world passport” or what some refer to as a “weak passport” brings its own set of challenges.

For people like me, traveling isn’t just a matter of booking a flight and packing a bag. We face a much more complex and often grueling process—often referred to as visa hell—just to get permission to leave our own country. The process is riddled with paperwork, waiting, and uncertainty, and even after all that, we might still get rejected.

The purpose of this article is to shed light on the harsh realities of traveling with a third world passport. I also want to offer advice to fellow travelers with “weak” passports, sharing how I navigate the challenges that come with it. If you hold a passport from a more privileged, stronger country, by the end of this article, I hope you’ll recognize your passport privilege. If you’re like me and carry one of the least powerful passports in the world, I hope this article will inspire and empower you to travel like a pro, despite the hurdles.

Let’s dive into what it truly means to travel with a “weak passport” and how we can make it work!

Why Is Pakistan’s Passport So Weak?

The primary reason for Pakistan’s weak passport stems from its troubled past, particularly the security concerns that plagued the country over the past few decades. This situation was particularly severe about 10 to 15 years ago, but much of that turmoil has now subsided. Today, Pakistan is far more stable, and it has even been recognized by travel experts, such as Condé Nast Traveler, as one of the top travel destinations in recent years. The country has seen improvements in law and order, and both international and domestic tourism are on the rise.

However, despite these positive changes, Pakistan’s passport ranking on the Henley Passport Index has not significantly improved over the years. The legacy of past security challenges continues to impact the country’s global mobility, leaving passport holders with limited travel freedoms.

Planning a Trip with a Third-World Passport

Planning a trip can be an overwhelming and stressful experience when you’re traveling with a third-world passport. For those of us with limited visa-free access, the entire process often becomes more complicated than it needs to be. While many travelers can easily use tools like Skyscanner and Faredrop to plan spontaneous trips, we—passport holders from countries like Pakistan—are often left out due to the visa restrictions we face.

One such tool, Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ feature, is a favorite for many travelers. It helps you find the cheapest destinations to visit in a specific month or on custom dates. However, for those of us with “weak” passports, this tool becomes much less useful. Before even thinking about booking a trip, we must first determine if we can even get a visa to those cheap destinations, which may be a lengthy and uncertain process.

Another great tool is Faredrop, which sends notifications about incredibly low flight prices, often for error fares. These can sometimes be for business class tickets at the price of economy—sounds amazing, right? Unfortunately, we can’t take advantage of these deals either. Error fares usually come with very short booking windows, and the chances of securing a visa in time are slim to none, leaving us unable to make the most of such opportunities.

These are just a couple of examples of how spontaneous trip planning can be difficult for those of us with “weak” passports. While I personally can’t take advantage of these travel privileges, I’m happy for those who can and hope they get to enjoy the freedom that comes with booking last-minute trips.

Now, let’s dive into how you can plan your trip when you don’t have the luxury of booking flights without considering visa hurdles.

Avoid Last-Minute Travel Plans

If you’re traveling on a third-world passport, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to avoid making last-minute travel plans. You need to give yourself plenty of time to prepare for visa applications and the often unpredictable processing times, which can range from just a few working days to several weeks or even months in some cases.

The first step is to familiarize yourself with the countries you can visit more easily—those that offer visa-free access, visa-on-arrival (VOA), or e-visa options. Focus your travel plans on these destinations to minimize the stress of complicated visa procedures. Unless, of course, you’re planning to visit a dream destination that might be a bit out of reach in practical terms—but hey, it’s your call if you want to tackle that challenge!

By planning ahead and choosing destinations within your reach, you can avoid the headaches and disappointments that come with last-minute travel decisions.

Visa-Free Countries to Visit on a Pakistani Passport

With Pakistan’s passport ranking near the bottom—currently sitting at the fourth position from last—it grants visa-free access to just 37 countries. Interestingly, many of these countries are small island nations, some of which most people may have never even heard of or can’t easily locate on a map (myself included!). While the list of visa-free destinations for Pakistani passport holders is quite limited, it does offer a few travel options.

Visa on Arrival Countries To Visit

Some 30ish countries offer VOA for the Pakistani nationals. For a complete list of the VOA countries to visit on a Pakistani passport, 

E-Visa Countries To Visit

Recently, thanks to Pakistan’s foreign policy, some 10ish countries started the E-visa rule for Pakistani nationals. E-visas offer a painless process of obtaining a visa for those who travel on a third world passport. Here, is a list of countries offering

Maintain a Healthy Bank Balance for Visa Applications

Your financial standing plays a critical role in the visa application process. Visa officers rely on your bank statements to ensure that you have enough funds to support your trip and won’t become a financial burden or a liability in their country. It’s important to maintain a stable and healthy balance in your bank account for at least three to six months leading up to your visa application. Most visa applications will ask for a three-month bank statement as proof of your financial stability.

A helpful tip is to temporarily deposit money from family or friends into your account and maintain that balance for the required period. Once you’ve received your bank statement for visa submission, you can return the borrowed funds. I’ve done this myself, and it’s a strategy that can make a big difference in getting your visa approved.

Accommodation Booking Tips for Visa Applications

Travel Insurance for Visa Applications

Many countries require travel insurance as part of the visa application process, though a few may not make it mandatory. For instance, when I applied for my Malaysia e-visa, travel insurance wasn’t a requirement. However, regardless of whether it’s needed for the visa, I highly recommend getting travel insurance for your trip. It provides essential coverage for unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

If you’re looking for affordable and reliable coverage, I highly recommend SafetyWing. They offer some of the best services with rates as low as $15, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. While not all countries insist on it, having travel insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re covered should anything go wrong during your travels.

Employment Certificate for Visa Applications

An employment certificate is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country and have no intention of overstaying your visa. If you’re employed, a simple letter from your employer confirming your position and employment status can be a crucial supporting document for your visa application. If you’re on a contract, it’s helpful to include details about the contract’s duration to show you have a clear reason to return home. I was asked for an employment certificate when applying for my visa to Turkey, and it played a significant role in my approval.

For those who are unemployed or self-employed, providing property documents (such as land or home ownership) can serve as a good alternative. If you don’t own property, you can also provide property papers from your parents or spouse, or submit money bonds as proof of financial stability. The key is to present any documentation that convinces the visa officer that you have strong ties to your home country and have every intention of returning after your trip.

I know that traveling on a third-world passport can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, but the more supporting documents you provide, the stronger your application will be. It might seem like a lot of effort, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Tips for Applying for a Visa

Visa Interview Tips

For a few countries, such as the US, UK, or Schengen states, you may be required to attend a visa interview.

The number one rule when attending any interview is to dress neatly and present yourself well—and visa interviews are no exception. A good tip is to wear light-colored or white clothing, such as a shirt or blouse, as it gives off a pleasant and professional vibe to the interviewer.

Honesty is key during the interview. If you’re applying for a visa to visit Germany to see the castles, for example, be sure to have some knowledge about the castles. The interviewer may ask you about them to confirm that you’re genuinely interested in the trip, not just seeking a visa.

Also, whenever you have the opportunity, mention your travel history in a natural way. Having a solid travel history shows you are a seasoned traveler, which can greatly improve your chances of getting approved for the visa. The goal is to reassure the interviewer that you are a responsible and trustworthy traveler.

With these tips, you can approach your visa interview with confidence and increase your chances of success.

Dealing with Visa Rejection

Traveling on a third-world passport means you’re more likely to face visa rejections, but the key is not to take it personally. Rejection reasons are usually clearly stated, although I’ve had my own experience with a Canadian visa rejection that left me baffled. The reason given was so absurd that I still can’t quite make sense of it. But no matter the reason, here are two steps to help you move forward:

1. If the rejection reason is fixable: If you’re told your visa was rejected due to missing documents, errors in your application form, or other correctable mistakes, don’t get discouraged. Simply fix the errors and re-submit your visa application as soon as possible. Addressing the issues quickly gives you a better chance of success on your next attempt.
2. If the rejection is due to financial or travel-related concerns: If the reason for rejection involves insufficient funds or an unconvincing travel purpose, you’ll need to take more time. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do in the short term to fix these issues. Focus on improving your travel history by visiting more countries and maintaining a healthy bank balance before reapplying.

Remember, rejection isn’t the end of the road—it’s a chance to reassess and strengthen your application for the future. Keep trying, and don’t let a setback discourage you.

Things to Do Upon Landing at Immigration

For third-world passport holders, even after you’ve successfully secured your visa and landed in a new country, the journey isn’t over—immigration can be just as nerve-wracking. I, for one, have a bit of an immigration phobia, thanks to a particularly harrowing experience in Georgia (stay tuned for the full story!). As a holder of a “weak” passport, there’s always the risk of being detained or even deported if the immigration officers aren’t convinced by your documents. Here are a few tips to help you navigate immigration without a hitch:

1. Bring Copies of All Documents: Always carry copies of every document you submitted with your visa application, including your return ticket, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and bank statement. Having these ready can help you breeze through questions if the officer needs to verify anything.
2. Vaccination Records: If you’re traveling from a country that’s experiencing any disease outbreak, make sure you’ve received any required vaccinations and bring the vaccination receipt with you. It’s an important step in avoiding any potential issues at immigration.
3. Be Ready for Common Questions: At immigration, expect questions about the purpose of your stay, the length of your visit, and how much cash you’re carrying. It’s best to be mentally prepared for these and answer confidently. I’ve been asked some pretty strange things at immigration, and trust me, it’s good to be ready for the unexpected.
4. Stay Calm and Natural: How you present yourself matters. Be polite, calm, and natural in your interactions with immigration officers. Don’t try to oversmile in an attempt to seem harmless, and don’t adopt a too-serious, unapproachable demeanor either. Just act like yourself—this will help you feel more relaxed and make the process smoother.
5. Prepare for Anything: Unfortunately, as a holder of a third-world passport, you might face random or absurd situations at immigration. I’ve heard of many Pakistanis being detained at US immigration, simply because of their nationality. Stay patient, stay calm, and don’t let unexpected challenges throw you off.

Finally, once you’ve made it through immigration and stepped outside the airport—congratulations! You’ve officially survived one of the toughest parts of international travel. Now it’s time to enjoy your much-deserved vacation. You’ve earned it!

How to Strengthen Your Third-World Passport

Being born with a “weak” passport doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever. There are several ways to improve the chances of obtaining visas or, in some cases, even bypassing the need for them altogether. Here’s how you can enhance the value of your passport:

1. Build a Solid Travel History: I’ve said this many times, but it bears repeating—having a strong travel history can significantly improve your chances of getting a visa. Although traveling with a third-world passport can be challenging, you can start by visiting countries that are easier to obtain a visa for, especially before going for more difficult ones like Schengen or US visas. Southeast Asian countries are usually a great choice—visas are often easy to get, and they’re affordable destinations as well.
2. Use Your Resident Permit to Your Advantage: If you hold a residence permit from a country other than your home country, take advantage of it. For example, as an Oman resident, I can easily obtain visas for Gulf countries and enjoy visa-on-arrival access to countries like Georgia and Azerbaijan. Check if your resident permit offers similar perks, as this can open doors to more travel opportunities.
3. Apply for High-Tier Visas: If you have the financial resources and supporting documents to apply for higher-tier visas, such as Schengen, UK, or US visas, give it a try. Getting a visa from these countries can do wonders for your future travels. For instance, a valid Schengen visa allows you to visit Turkey without a visa, and with a valid US visa, you can access many Middle Eastern countries visa-free. Always do thorough research to know which countries offer visa-free access based on the visas you already have.

By strategically improving your travel history, utilizing your resident permits, and applying for higher-tier visas, you can gradually increase the strength of your passport, making it easier for you to explore the world

In Conclusion

Traveling with a third-world passport is undeniably a love-hate experience. There will be moments when the frustration of visa applications, endless paperwork, and long waits will feel overwhelming. But trust me, the struggles are worth it in the end. Countless travelers with “weak” passports are exploring the world, conquering the visa hurdles, and seeing incredible places across all continents. Don’t let the challenges stand in the way of your dreams. With persistence, preparation, and the right strategies, you can navigate the complexities of international travel and turn those obstacles into stepping stones toward unforgettable experiences. The world is waiting for you—keep pushing forward and make those travel dreams a reality!