Emmanuel OchayiAfrican passports continue to rank among the least powerful globally in 2025. Many African citizens face strict visa requirements, making travel difficult. These restrictions impact opportunities for business, education, and tourism. The rankings are based on the number of countries passport holders can enter without a visa or with visa-on-arrival.
The 2025 Henley Passport Index reveals that several African countries remain at the bottom of the global passport rankings. Factors such as political instability, economic challenges, and diplomatic relations play a role in these rankings. Below is a list of the least powerful African passports in 2025.
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Somalia has the least powerful passport in Africa, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 35 destinations. Political instability and security concerns have kept Somalia’s passport among the weakest. Many countries impose strict visa regulations on Somali citizens due to concerns over governance and security.
Libya – 40 Destinations
Libya’s passport ranks as the second least powerful in Africa, with access to just 40 destinations. Years of conflict and internal struggles have impacted Libya’s international standing. The country’s unstable political situation has made it difficult for Libyans to travel freely.
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Eritrea – 42 Destinations
Eritrean passport holders can travel to only 42 destinations without requiring a visa beforehand. Eritrea’s strict government policies and diplomatic isolation have limited the country’s global mobility. Many Eritreans face challenges in obtaining visas due to the country’s restrictive emigration policies.
Sudan – 43 Destinations
Sudan’s passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 43 destinations. Political instability and ongoing conflicts have made it difficult for Sudanese citizens to travel internationally. The country has experienced major transitions in recent years, affecting its diplomatic relationships.
South Sudan – 44 Destinations
South Sudan, the youngest country in Africa, has one of the least powerful passports in 2025. Its passport allows access to only 44 destinations. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced economic struggles and diplomatic challenges that limit its citizens’ travel opportunities.
Nigeria – 46 Destinations
Despite having the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria’s passport ranks among the least powerful, granting access to only 46 destinations. Strict immigration policies in many countries have made it harder for Nigerians to travel freely. Issues such as overstayed visas and irregular migration contribute to the restrictions placed on Nigerian passport holders.
Ethiopia – 46 Destinations
Ethiopia shares the same ranking as Nigeria, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 46 destinations. The country has significant historical and cultural importance, but limited diplomatic ties affect the mobility of Ethiopian citizens. Improving its passport ranking would require stronger international relations.
Democratic Republic of Congo – 46 Destinations
The passport of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) grants access to 46 destinations. Decades of instability, weak governance, and economic challenges have contributed to its low ranking. DRC citizens face long visa application processes and high rejection rates.
Djibouti – 49 Destinations
Djibouti’s passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 49 destinations. Although its strategic location in the Horn of Africa has improved regional cooperation, Djibouti’s global travel access remains limited. Strengthening international relations could help improve its ranking.
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Republic of Congo – 50 Destinations
The Republic of Congo has the highest-ranking passport on this list, with access to 50 destinations. Although slightly better than other African countries with weaker passports, Congolese citizens still face significant travel limitations compared to those with more powerful African passports.
Why Are These African Passports Among the Least Powerful?
Several factors contribute to the low ranking of these African passports:
- Political Instability – Many of these countries experience ongoing conflicts and unstable governance, affecting their international relations.
- Economic Challenges – Weak economies limit a country’s ability to negotiate visa-free agreements with other nations.
- Security Concerns – Some countries are associated with high security risks, leading to stricter visa policies.
- Diplomatic Isolation – Limited diplomatic ties result in fewer agreements for visa-free travel.
Can African Passport Rankings Improve?
Experts believe that improving passport rankings requires:
- Strengthening diplomatic relations with more countries.
- Enhancing security measures to improve international trust.
- Developing strong economic policies to boost global influence.
African governments can work towards better agreements that increase visa-free travel opportunities for their citizens.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
