The Henley Passport Index, a global authority on passport rankings, has revealed its 2025 list of the most powerful passports worldwide.
- •Drawing on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and extensive research, the index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
- •While African nations like Seychelles and Mauritius perform exceptionally well, a stark contrast remains between the continent’s most and least powerful passports.
- •For example, war-torn nations such as Somalia and Sudan rank near the bottom, highlighting the impact of geopolitical instability on mobility.
Here’s a look at the top-performing African passports on the Index this year:
1. Seychelles – Rank 25 (156 Visa-Free Destinations)
Seychelles retains its crown as Africa’s most powerful passport with access to 156 visa-free destinations.
2. Mauritius – Rank 29 (151 Visa-Free Destinations)
Mauritius secures second place among African countries with its 151 visa-free destinations making it a standout performer.
3. South Africa – Rank 48 (106 Visa-Free Destinations)
South Africa is ranked 48th globally. Its passport holders can access 106 destinations without a visa.
4. Botswana – Rank 57 (88 Visa-Free Destinations)
Botswana’s passport grants its holders access to 88 destinations.
5. Namibia – Rank 62 (81 Visa-Free Destinations)
Namibia ranks among the top five African countries, offering access to 81 destinations.
Other Notable Mentions:
- •Kenya – Rank 68 (74 Visa-Free Destinations): East Africa’s leading passport.
- •Ghana – Rank 74 (68 Visa-Free Destinations): Ghana maintains its reputation as a gateway to West Africa with improved access.
- •Nigeria – Rank 94 (46 Visa-Free Destinations): Despite challenges, Nigeria’s passport holds significance due to its strategic importance in the region.
| African Rank | Country | Global Ranking | Visa-Free Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seychelles | 25 | 156 |
| 2 | Mauritius | 29 | 151 |
| 3 | South Africa | 48 | 106 |
| 4 | Botswana | 57 | 88 |
| 5 | Namibia | 62 | 81 |
| 6 | Lesotho | 64 | 79 |
| 7 | Malawi | 67 | 75 |
| 8 | Kenya | 68 | 74 |
| 9 | Morocco | 69 | 73 |
| 10 | Tanzania | 69 | 73 |
| 11 | The Gambia | 71 | 71 |
| 12 (tie) | Uganda | 72 | 70 |
| 12 (tie) | Zambia | 72 | 70 |
| 14 | Tunisia | 73 | 69 |
| 15 | Ghana | 74 | 68 |
| 16 (tie) | Rwanda | 76 | 66 |
| 16 (tie) | Sierra Leone | 76 | 66 |
| 18 (tie) | Mozambique | 77 | 65 |
| 18 (tie) | Zimbabwe | 77 | 65 |
| 20 | Madagascar | 82 | 60 |
| 21 | Côte d’Ivoire | 83 | 59 |
| 22 | Senegal | 84 | 58 |
| 23 | Algeria | 86 | 56 |
| 24 (tie) | Nigeria | 94 | 46 |
| 24 (tie) | Ethiopia | 94 | 46 |
| 26 | Angola | 91 | 51 |
| 27 | Burundi | 92 | 50 |
| 28 | Congo (Dem. Rep.) | 94 | 46 |
RELATED; Tourism CS Rebecca Miano Reveals Plans to Review ETA System
