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Women's right to travel abroad

What this indicator measures

The law is examined on two points: can a woman travel abroad, and can she apply for a passport, in the same way as a man? Data from the 2026 edition of “Women, Business and the Law”, which describes written laws in force on 1 October 2025 (not their actual enforcement or uncodified customs).

How to read this?

“Same right” means both points are met; “One point out of two” means only one is.

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186countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Women's right to travel abroad: 186 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Same right as men : 171 ; Only one point out of two : 13 ; Right not the same : 2.

Why this indicator matters

Being able to travel and obtain a passport without permission is a condition of freedom of movement. Comparing these rules shows whether women can travel abroad on the same terms as men.

What makes this indicator vary

Rules depend on civil status laws, family status and the history of each legal system. Some still require the consent of a guardian or spouse, while others have removed these conditions through reforms.

Reading precautions

Only the written law is examined, not its practical application or customs. The result “one point out of two” means only one of the two conditions is met, without saying which.

Women's right to travel abroad

Same right as men (171)

Only one point out of two (13)

Right not the same (2)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Women's right to travel abroad" data come from?

It comes from Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

Which points are checked?

Two points: can a woman travel abroad, and can she apply for a passport, in the same way as a man. The two conditions are examined separately.

What does “only one point out of two” mean?

It means the law meets only one of the two conditions. For example, travel is free but the passport application follows different rules, or the other way around.

Source and update

Source : Banque mondiale – Women, Business and the Law (WBL 2.0). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : Women's rights