Henley Passport Index Shows Nigerian Passport Offers Visa-Free Access to 44 Destinations 
Nigeria's passport has fallen to 90th place in the latest Henley Passport Index, slipping one position from its previous ranking of 89th while retaining visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 44 destinations. The latest index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without obtaining a visa in advance.
The quarterly ranking, compiled by Henley & Partners using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is regarded as one of the world's leading measures of passport strength and global travel freedom.
Nigeria now shares the 90th position with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Turkmenistan, each providing visa-free access to 44 destinations.
Top 10 Most Powerful Passports (July 2026 Henley Passport Index)
1. Singapore
2. Japan
South Korea
United Arab Emirates (joint second)
3. Sweden
4. Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Ireland
Italy
Netherlands
Norway
Spain (joint fourth)
5. Austria
Belgium
Luxembourg
Portugal
Switzerland (joint fifth)
Strongest African Passports
· South Africa – 49th globally (101 destinations)
· Botswana – 61st (81 destinations)
· Morocco – 67th (71 destinations)
· Kenya – 68th (70 destinations)
· Ghana – 70th (67 destinations)
· Nigeria – 90th (44 destinations)
Analysts say the latest ranking highlights the continued gap in global travel mobility for Nigerian passport holders compared with many other countries. While Nigeria's position has fluctuated over recent years, the passport's visa-free access remains limited at 44 destinations, underscoring the importance of stronger diplomatic engagement and expanded bilateral visa agreements.
The Henley Passport Index is updated quarterly and measures passport strength based on the number of destinations accessible without obtaining a visa before travel, including visa-free entry and visa-on-arrival arrangements.