African passports continue to face travel restrictions in 2025, with many ranking among the least powerful in the world.
The ranking is based on the number of countries passport holders can enter without a visa or by obtaining a visa on arrival.
Many African nations remain at the lower end of the global mobility scale, reflecting broader socio-economic and diplomatic challenges.
Limited passport power affects business, education, and tourism opportunities for citizens, while high visa fees and lengthy application processes further hinder international travel.
Experts suggest that improving passport rankings requires stronger governance, better diplomatic relations, and sustained economic growth to ease travel barriers.
According to the 2025 Henley & Partners Index, here are the 10 least powerful African passports:
1. Somalia – 35 Destinations
Somalia ranks at the bottom, with its passport granting access to only 35 destinations. Ongoing political instability and security concerns contribute to its weak ranking.
2. Libya – 40 Destinations
Libya follows closely with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 40 countries. The country’s years of conflict and political turmoil have negatively impacted its global mobility.
3. Eritrea – 42 Destinations
Eritrean passport holders can travel to 42 destinations without needing a visa in advance. The country’s restrictive emigration policies and limited diplomatic ties contribute to its low ranking.
4. Sudan – 43 Destinations
With access to 43 destinations, Sudan remains on the lower end of the index. Political instability and recent transitional challenges have further restricted travel opportunities.
5. South Sudan – 44 Destinations
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has a passport that grants entry to 44 countries. Ongoing development and diplomatic challenges since its independence in 2011 have slowed progress in improving its ranking.
6. Nigeria – 46 Destinations
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to only 46 destinations. Stricter visa policies from other nations, largely due to immigration concerns, continue to limit travel freedom for Nigerians.
7. Ethiopia – 46 Destinations
Ethiopia shares the same ranking as Nigeria, with passport holders able to access 46 destinations. While the country has historical and cultural significance, its diplomatic influence remains limited in easing travel restrictions.
8. Democratic Republic of Congo – 46 Destinations
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) also has access to 46 destinations. Decades of governance challenges and economic struggles have contributed to its lower passport ranking.
9. Djibouti – 49 Destinations
Djibouti’s passport provides entry to 49 countries. While its strategic location in the Horn of Africa has boosted regional ties, broader international travel remains restricted.
10. Republic of Congo – 50 Destinations
The Republic of Congo’s passport allows travel to 50 destinations, slightly better than others on this list but still among the weakest in Africa.
As African countries work toward stronger economies and diplomatic ties, improved passport rankings could enhance mobility for millions of citizens. However, significant challenges remain in achieving greater travel freedom across the continent.
