The Nigerian passport has improved its global standing, climbing to 88th place out of 199 countries in the July 18, 2025 update of the Henley Passport Index. This marks a modest rise from 91st earlier in 2025, and a significant leap from 97th at the end of 2023.
Despite the improved ranking, visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for Nigerian passport holders remains stagnant at just 45 countries, the same figure as last year. Nigeria now shares the 88th position with Ethiopia and Myanmar.
The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking based on the number of destinations holders of a passport can access without a visa. The index uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is updated quarterly with expert analysis.
African Rankings and Trends
Regionally, the Nigerian passport still ranks among the lower tier in Africa, only ahead of six countries:
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Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
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South Sudan
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Sudan
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Eritrea
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Libya
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Somalia
This mirrors the country’s position in recent years. At its lowest point in 2021, Nigeria ranked 103rd globally, improving slowly to 98th in 2022, 90th in mid-2023, and now 88th.
Global Highlights
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Seychelles retains its spot as Africa’s most powerful passport, offering access to 156 countries, although it slipped globally from 22nd to 24th.
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Singapore leads globally with visa-free access to 193 destinations.
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Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index, with access to just 25 countries.
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The United States, which topped the index in 2014, now sits at 10th place.
Read also: 5 Non-African Countries Nigerian Passport Holders Can Visit Without a Visa
