Based on unique data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which manages the largest and most reliable database of travel information in the world, we’ve come up with a comprehensive list of the 10 African countries with the most powerful international passport.
The Henley Passport Index is the first ranking of all passports in the world according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
The index, which is updated on a quarterly basis, features 227 unique vacation destinations as well as 199 unique passports.
Below is the list showing the 10 African countries with the most powerful international passport.
- Seychelles
- Mauritius
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Malawi
- Kenya & Tanzania
- Tunisia & Zambia
- The Gambia
- Uganda
1. Seychelles
The first African country on the list of the African countries with the most powerful international passport is Seychelles.
While moving up one spot in the global rankings, the Seychelles’ passport continues to be the most potent on the African continent.
Seychelles is now ranked 28th globally, up one spot from 29th in 2021. Visa-free entry is available to bearers of Seychelles passports in 152 nations.
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2. Mauritius
The passport of Mauritius is the second-strongest in Africa and ranks 31st globally. Passport holders from Mauritius are eligible for visa-free travel to 146 nations.
3. South Africa
Over the years, the South African passport’s index has fluctuated. It is currently ranked third in Africa and number 54 worldwide. Passport holders from South Africa can enter 101 countries without a visa.
4. Botswana
Southern Africa’s Botswana is a landlocked nation. It went from position 62 in 2021 to position 60 now and it comes in at number four in Africa.
Passport holders from Botswana do not need a visa to enter 86 countries.
5. Namibia
The fifth-strongest passport in Africa is issued by Namibia. Passport holders from Namibia, a former German colony, are permitted entry into 78 nations without a visa.
6. Malawi
Formerly known as Nyasaland, Malawi is a nation in southeast Africa. Mozambique borders it on the east, south, and southwest, Tanzania on the north and northeast, and Zambia on the west.
Currently, the Malawian Passport is ranked 72nd globally and 6th in Africa. This passport entitles its owner to visa-free travel to 73 nations.
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7. Kenya & Tanzania
The East African countries, which were ranked 52 in 2006, are now ranked 71 globally and number 7 on the list.
Citizens of both countries can travel visa-free to 72 other countries.
8. Tunisia & Zambia
In 2021, holders of passports from Tunisia and Zambia are eligible for visa-free travel to 71 locations.
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9. The Gambia
9th in Africa and 75th overall is the rating of the Gambian passport. You could visit 68 countries without a visa if you have a Gambian passport.
10. Uganda
In Africa and 76th overall, the Republic of Uganda passport ranks tenth position on the list of African countries with the most powerful international passport.
Passport holders from Uganda can travel to 67 nations without needing to fulfill onerous entrance restrictions.
Other nations in the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th positions, respectively, are Sierra Leone, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Cape Verde.
Nigeria, the most populated nation in Africa and the continent with the greatest GDP, is currently ranked 46 in Africa and 95 globally, making its passport one of the less regarded passport on the continent.
Nigeria’s international passport went from 76th strongest passport in the world ten years ago to the 95th position in 2020.
