Lifestyle - June 13, 2024

Seychelles Leads in Africa on 2024 List of World’s Most Powerful Passports

Ukpono Nsima June 13, 2024

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In 2024, several African nations have significantly enhanced the power of their passports, according to the 2024 list of the world’s most powerful passports ranked by Henley & Partners.

The ranking uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It assesses passport strength by the number of destinations their holders can enter without a visa.

Seychelles ranks the highest among African countries on the list, coming in at 26th globally with visa-free access to 156 countries, improving three spots from the previous year.

Following closely is Mauritius at 30th globally, offering its passport holders entry to 150 countries without a visa.

South Africa leads among continental African countries at 53rd place.

Other notable rankings include Botswana at 59th, Lesotho and Namibia at 65th, and Eswatini at 66th.

In East Africa, Kenya and Malawi are tied at 67th, with Tanzania at 69th.

North African countries: Morocco, Tunisia, and Zambia are ranked 71st, while Gambia leads in West Africa, moving up five places to 72nd.

At the lower end, Somalia has the least powerful African passport, ranked 99th with access to only 36 destinations.