Top 10 most powerful passports in Africa by visa-free access

Seychelles has retained its position as Africa’s most powerful passport, ranking 22nd globally with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154 destinations.

This is according to the latest Henley Passport Index, updated on March 9, 2026.

The Henley Passport Index, published by London-based advisory firm Henley & Partners, evaluates 199 passports and 227 destinations, using data from the International Air Transport Association and Henley’s own research.

Seychelles leads the African ranking, ahead of Mauritius (25th globally, 147 destinations) and South Africa (46th globally, 100 destinations).

The government continues negotiations on new visa-waiver agreements with strategic countries, while the recent adoption of biometric passports has further enhanced international travel access for Seychellois citizens.

Globally, Asian passports remain the strongest, with Singapore and Japan topping the list, offering access to 192 and 187 destinations, respectively, without a prior visa.

At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan ranks lowest, with visa-free access to just 24 destinations.

Diplomatic engagement continues to be a key focus for Seychelles as officials work to further expand the country’s travel reach.

African Passport Rankings – Top 10
Seychelles – 22nd globally, 154 destinations
Mauritius – 25th globally, 147 destinations
South Africa – 46th globally, 100 destinations
Botswana – 55th globally, 82 destinations
Namibia – 60th globally, 75 destinations
Lesotho – 61st globally, 73 destinations
Morocco – 62nd globally, 71 destinations
eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) – 62nd globally, 71 destinations
Malawi – 63rd globally (70)
Kenya – 64th globally (69)
Nigeria, however, does not make the top ten, falling below 30 in Africa and 88th globally, with visa-free access to only 44 destinations.

(Punch)