Nigerians to Enter More Countries Visa-free as Nigerian Passport Rises on Global Index
- Nigeria’s passport has recorded a modest climb in global ranking, rising to a new position on the Henley Passport Index in the July update
- The latest ranking is three steps up from its previous ranking after it hit 97th position in late 2023
- The actual travel freedom it provides remains limited, with Nigerians able to access only 45 countries visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
Legit.ng’s Pascal Oparada has reported on tech, energy, stocks, investment and the economy for over a decade.
Nigeria's passport has seen a modest rise in global mobility rankings, climbing to the 88th position on the Henley Passport Index in the July 2025 update.
This is a step up from 91st earlier in the year and a notable improvement from 97th in late 2023.
Source: Getty Images
Slow progress despite gains
However, the actual travel freedom it provides remains limited, with Nigerians able to access only 45 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, unchanged from the previous year.
The index, compiled by London-based Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks 199 countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can access without a prior visa.
The index is updated quarterly and is regarded as one of the most authoritative measures of global passport strength.
Although Nigeria's passport ranking is improving gradually, having moved from 103rd in 2021 to 98th in 2022, and 90th in mid-2023, the country remains in the lower tier globally and continentally.
Africa’s strongest passports
Nigeria currently shares the 88th position with Ethiopia and Myanmar.
In Africa, the Nigerian passport is stronger than in just six countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea, Libya, and Somalia.
This positioning is almost identical to previous years, reflecting limited progress in terms of international mobility for Nigerian passport holders.
While Nigeria struggles to gain ground, several African countries continue to outperform in global mobility.
The strongest African passports
- Seychelles – Access to 156 destinations (Rank 24)
- Mauritius – Access to 150 destinations (Rank 30)
- South Africa – Access to 108 destinations (Rank 53)
- Botswana – Access to 91 destinations (Rank 59)
- Namibia – Access to 80 destinations (Rank 65)
- Lesotho – Access to 79 destinations (Rank 66)
- eSwatini – Access to 77 destinations (Rank 67)
- Malawi – Access to 74 destinations (Rank 69)
- Kenya – Access to 74 destinations (Rank 69)
- Gambia – Access to 71 destinations (Rank 72)
World's strongest passports in 2025
On the global scale, Singapore retains its lead, offering its citizens access to a record 193 destinations visa-free.
Here are the top 10 passports globally
- Singapore – 193 destinations
- France – 193
- Germany – 193
- Italy – 193
- Japan – 193
- Spain – 192
- South Korea – 192
- Finland – 192
- Sweden – 192
- United States – 190
At the bottom of the list is Afghanistan, with its passport granting access to only 25 destinations.
Outlook
While the Nigerian passport has shown some improvement in rankings, its holders still face severe travel limitations.
Experts suggest that improving bilateral visa agreements and boosting diplomatic influence could improve the country’s passport power over time.
For now, however, Nigerian travellers must navigate more hurdles than most of their African peers.
The UK halts Health worker visas
A prior report by Legit.ng disclosed that the UK government halted the issuance of new Health and Care Worker visas, effective Monday, July 22, 2025.
The visa, once a lifeline for the UK's embattled care sector, had offered a relatively smooth entry route for thousands of foreign nationals, especially from developing nations.
Government cites misuse, local job joost
Now, the UK’s Home Office says no new overseas applications under this category will be processed.
The decision is part of a broader plan to tighten immigration and reduce reliance on foreign labour in lower-wage roles.
Source: Twitter
Officials have linked the change to growing misuse of the visa sponsorship system. They argue that some employers and agents have exploited the route, prompting the need to close the loophole.
UK announces new visa for Nigerians
Legit.ng earlier reported that the United Kingdom has implemented a change in its visa application process, introducing eVisas for both student and skilled worker categories.
The new system, which commenced on July 15, 2025, means that Nigerians will no longer receive a physical vignette in their passport when applying for a work or study visa.
Physical vignettes traditionally served as stickers in passports indicating permission to enter and reside in the UK.
Source: Legit.ng
