Nigeria Missing as Report Highlights Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in Africa
- The Henley Passport Index ranks Seychelles as the top African passport in 2025, with access to 156 destinations, followed by Mauritius and South Africa
- Other strong passports in Africa include Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho, each benefiting from robust economies and diplomatic ties
- Countries like Kenya, Morocco, and Malawi also rank highly due to their regional and international connections, offering citizens access to a variety of countries without a visa
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Greater access to the world and easier international travel are two benefits of having a solid passport.
Source: UGC
Some countries around the world give their citizens stronger passports, which facilitate travel and create more opportunities for cross-border interactions.
Based on the Henley Passport Index, which rates passports according to the number of places their holders can visit without a visa or with a visa on arrival, the following is a comprehensive list of Africa's top 10 most powerful passports in 2025
The report takes into account factors such as regional influence, economic stability, diplomatic ties, and tourism regulations.
Seychelles
- Global Rank: 25
- Access: 156 destinations
Seychelles regularly leads Africa's passport rankings. Due to its strong tourism-driven economy and crucial diplomatic ties, Seychelles has visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreements with numerous nations, particularly in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Mauritius
- Global Rank: 29
- Access: 151 destination
Mauritius's robust economy, stable political climate, and tourism industry, which is similar to Seychelles’s, contribute to its high ranking. Through commercial and diplomatic relations, the nation has fostered visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, particularly with Commonwealth countries and Europe.
South Africa
- Global Rank: 48
- Access: 106 destinations
In 2025, South Africa's passport rose into the top 50 worldwide, a reflection of its increased economic clout and diplomatic endeavors. It has gained visa-free access to numerous African, Asian, and Latin American nations as a major African economy and BRICS member.
Botswana
- Global Rank: 57
- Access: 88 destinations
Botswana's high position is a result of its robust economic management, fueled by diamond exports, and its stable democracy. The nation has secured visa-free travel to the majority of African countries by prioritising regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Namibia
- Global Rank: 61
- Access: 81 destinations
Namibia's ascent above Lesotho in 2025 is indicative of its expanding tourist and diplomatic influence. Many nations benefit from its generous visa regulations, which promote reciprocal relationships. Owing to its stable political environment and strong relations within SADC as well as with international allies like Germany (due to historical ties), it offers visa-free access to a variety of African, European, and Asian locations.
Lesotho
- Global Rank: 63
- Access: 79 destinations
Because of its participation in the SADC and Commonwealth, Lesotho's passport allows visa-free travel to some Commonwealth countries as well as within Africa. Its reach is, however, constrained by its landlocked situation and smaller worldwide diplomatic footprint in comparison to Namibia.
Eswatini
- Global Rank: 65
- Access: 77 destinations
Due to its Commonwealth ties and SADC participation, Eswatini has passport power that allows it to enter several African and some international locations without a visa. Its competitiveness is maintained by stable governance and regional collaboration, but its small economy and low diplomatic power prevent it from reaching broader agreements.
Malawi
- Global Rank: 67
- Access: 75 destinations
Malawi's active involvement in regional organisations such as the African Union and SADC, which guarantee visa-free travel throughout most of Africa, supports its stance. Access to nations like India and several Caribbean countries is also possible due to its Commonwealth membership.
Kenya
- Global Rank: 68
- Access: 74 destinations
Kenya, a significant hub in East Africa, benefits from its membership in the East African Community (EAC) and close connections with Commonwealth nations. With its passport, it can enter several Asian and African countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival.
Morocco
- Global Rank: 69
- Access: 73 destinations
Morocco's rise to the top 10, surpassing Tanzania, reflects its expanding economic and diplomatic connections, especially with West Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Morocco, a prominent member of the Arab League and African Union, has gained visa-free entry to a number of Middle Eastern and African nations.
Source: Getty Images
Nigerian passport gets new ranking
Legit.ng reported that Nigeria’s passport is now ranked in 91st position on the Henley Passport Index, sharing the position with Ethiopia and Myanmar.
These countries are also ranked low on the global terrorism index, battling attacks from armed groups.
The Henley Passport Index is updated monthly using information from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
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