Nigeria has recorded a modest improvement in its global travel standing, rising from 103rd to 89th position in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, according to the latest rankings released by global citizenship advisory firm, Henley & Partners.
The Henley Passport Index, widely regarded as the leading benchmark for passport strength, ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa prior to travel. The index draws on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), complemented by Henley & Partners’ in-house research.
Under the 2026 ranking, holders of the Nigerian passport can access about 44 destinations visa-free or with simplified entry requirements, including visa on arrival, electronic travel authorisation or visitor permits.
Despite the upward movement, Nigeria’s passport remains among the lower-ranked globally, continuing to restrict the international mobility of its citizens.
In comparison, several African peers maintain stronger global access. Seychelles retains its position as Africa’s most powerful passport, while Mauritius also ranks significantly higher. South Africa continues to outperform Nigeria, placing within the global top 50.
Globally, Singapore retained its status as the world’s most powerful passport in 2026, offering visa-free access to more than 190 destinations. It is followed by Japan and a group of leading European countries, including Germany, Spain, France and Italy, whose citizens enjoy access to over 180 destinations without prior visas.
The index assigns one point for each destination that allows visa-free entry or offers simplified access such as visas on arrival or electronic authorisation. Destinations requiring pre-departure visas or government approval attract no points, with a passport’s overall score determined by the total number of accessible destinations.
Nigeria continues to face restrictive entry requirements in key markets across Europe, North America and parts of Asia, factors that continue to weigh on its overall ranking.
The Henley report also highlights a widening global mobility gap, noting that while passport power has expanded globally over the past two decades, the gains have been uneven. Citizens of top-ranked countries can travel to nearly 200 destinations without visas, while those at the bottom of the index have access to fewer than 30.
For Nigeria, limited passport strength has tangible implications for trade, education, tourism and migration, as travellers often contend with lengthy visa application processes, high costs and stringent documentation requirements.
Nonetheless, analysts view the country’s improved ranking as a positive, though incremental, development. Experts note that sustained diplomatic engagement, stronger migration governance and enhanced international partnerships will be critical if Nigeria is to achieve more significant improvements in global mobility.
