The Nigerian passport has been ranked 89th out of 199 countries in the latest 2026 Henley Passport Index, a marginal improvement from its 94th position at the end of 2025 but still reflecting limited global travel freedom for its holders.
The index, which assesses passport strength based on visa-free access to other countries, places Nigeria in a tie with Myanmar, with a visa-free score of 44. This score counts destinations where Nigerian passport holders can enter without a visa, obtain a visa on arrival, a visitor's permit, or an electronic travel authorization.
A Look at Recent Performance
In July 2025, the Nigerian passport had reached its highest ranking in five years at 88th, before declining to 94th by year's end. The current 89th position represents a slight recovery but underscores ongoing challenges regarding global mobility.
Continental Standing
Within Africa, the Nigerian passport remains among the least favored for international travel. It is ranked as the seventh least powerful passport on the continent, sitting above only the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Libya, and Eritrea.
The continent's top passports remain Seychelles (1st in Africa), Mauritius, and South Africa, which offer significantly greater visa-free access to their citizens.
Global Leaders and Laggards
Globally, Singapore retains the title of the world's most powerful passport, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 countries. At the bottom of the list is Afghanistan, with access to only 24 nations.
The Henley Passport Index is updated quarterly using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is widely regarded as a key benchmark for global travel freedom. Nigeria's ranking highlights the continued need for diplomatic engagements and reforms aimed at improving visa waiver agreements and simplifying international travel for its citizens.
0 Comments