The power of a passport significantly influences a citizen’s ability to travel freely across borders. As of 2025, several African nations have made notable strides in developing the strength of their passports, granting their citizens increased access to various destinations worldwide.
Seychelles’ passport is the most powerful in Africa, ranking 25th globally with access to 156 places, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Mauritius comes in 29th with 151 destinations, while South Africa is placed 48th with access to 106 countries. Notable changes include Morocco moving up to the top 10 to replace Tanzania, and Namibia overtaking Lesotho for fifth place.
The rankings are influenced by various factors, including bilateral agreements, geopolitical dynamics, and the overall diplomatic relations each country maintains with others. Countries like Seychelles and Mauritius have leveraged their strategic positions and stable political environments to forge strong international ties, resulting in greater travel freedoms for their citizens.
It’s noteworthy that while some African nations have made significant progress in enhancing the strength of their passports, others continue to face challenges. For instance, countries like Somalia, Libya, and Eritrea are positioned lower in the global rankings, reflecting limited visa-free access.
These disparities reflect the need for continued diplomatic efforts and policy reforms to improve global mobility for all African nations. Below are the ten most powerful African passports in 2025, and the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa:
1. Seychelles
Leading the African continent, the Seychelles passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 destinations, positioning it 25th globally. This remarkable ranking underscores Seychelles’ robust diplomatic relations and its commitment to facilitating global mobility for its citizens.
2. Mauritius
Mauritius secures the second spot in Africa, with its passport granting access to 151 destinations without the need for a prior visa. Globally, it ranks 29th, reflecting the nation’s strategic diplomatic engagements and its emphasis on fostering international connectivity.
3. South Africa
South Africa’s passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 106 destinations, placing the country 48th globally. This significant mobility is indicative of South Africa’s influential position on the continent and its extensive diplomatic networks.
4. Botswana
Ranked 57th globally, Botswana’s passport allows access to 88 destinations without a prior visa. This reflects the country’s growing diplomatic presence and its efforts to enhance international travel opportunities for its citizens.
5. Namibia
Namibia holds the 62nd position globally, with its passport providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 81 destinations. This ranking highlights Namibia’s commitment to strengthening its global ties and facilitating easier travel for its populace.
6. Lesotho
Lesotho’s passport ranks 64th globally, offering its holders access to 79 destinations without the need for a prior visa. This achievement underscores Lesotho’s diplomatic efforts to enhance the travel freedom of its citizens.
7. Eswatini
Eswatini stands at the 65th position globally, with its passport granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 77 destinations. This reflects the nation’s ongoing endeavors to improve international mobility for its citizens.
8. Malawi
Sharing the 68th global position with Kenya, Malawi’s passport also allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 75 destinations. This parity highlights Malawi’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at enhancing the global mobility of its citizens.
9. Kenya
Kenya’s passport holders can access 74 destinations without obtaining a prior visa, placing the country 68th globally. This ranking signifies Kenya’s active role in international diplomacy and its efforts to bolster global travel opportunities for its citizens.
10. Morocco
Morocco moved up to the top 10, to replace Tanzania. The country’s passport is ranked 69th in the world, and its strategic position and longstanding European connections make it a strong passport. Moroccan nationals are granted visa-free entry into 73 nations, covering regions of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Other African countries
- Tanzania (69th, 73 destinations)
- Gambia (71st, 71 destinations)
- Uganda (72nd, 70 destinations)
- Zambia (72nd, 70 destinations)
- Tunisia (73rd, 69 destinations)
- Benin (74th, 68 destinations)
- Cape Verde (74th, 68 destinations)
- Ghana (74th, 68 destinations)
- Rwanda (76th, 66 destinations)
- Sierra Leone (76th, 66 destinations)
- Mozambique (77th, 65 destinations)
- Zimbabwe (77th, 65 destinations)
- São Tomé and Príncipe (79th, 63 destinations)
- Togo (81st, 61 destinations)
- Burkina Faso (82nd, 60 destinations)
- Gabon (82nd, 60 destinations)
- Madagascar (82nd, 60 destinations)
- Côte d’Ivoire (83rd, 59 destinations)
- Guinea (83rd, 59 destinations)
- Mauritania (84th, 58 destinations)
- Senegal (84th, 58 destinations)
- Equatorial Guinea (85th, 57 destinations)
- Niger (85th, 57 destinations)
- Algeria (86th, 56 destinations)
- Guinea-Bissau (87th, 55 destinations)
- Mali (87th, 55 destinations)
- Comoros (88th, 54 destinations)
- Central African Republic (89th, 53 destinations)
- Chad (89th, 53 destinations)
- Egypt (90th, 52 destinations)
- Liberia (90th, 52 destinations)
- Angola (91st, 51 destinations)
- Burundi (92nd, 50 destinations)
- Cameroon (92nd, 50 destinations)
- Republic of Congo (92nd, 50 destinations)
- Djibouti (93rd, 49 destinations)
- DR Congo (94th, 46 destinations)
- Ethiopia (94th, 46 destinations)
- Nigeria (94th, 46 destinations)
- South Sudan (96th, 44 destinations)
- Sudan (97th, 43 destinations)
- Eritrea (98th, 42 destinations)
- Libya (100th, 40 destinations)
- Somalia (102nd, 35 destinations)
Written by Kweku Sampson
This article is published by either a staff writer, an intern, or an editor of TheAfricanDream.net, based on editorial discretion.
