In this article, I will be highlighting powerful passports in Africa according to most recent ranking in the Henley Passport Index.

Henley Passport Index is the original ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa based on exclusive data provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information.

The index which is updated quarterly includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations. For the purpose of understanding within the context of this article, ‘Without prior visa’ means visa free and a visitor’s permit, or an electronic travel authority (ETA) obtained when entering the destination.

See Also: 12 Benefits of Studying Abroad

Below is a list of ten African countries with the most powerful passports.

Seychelles
At this moment, Seychelles has the most powerful passport in Africa. It ranks 1st in Africa and 28 on the global stage. Holders of Seychellois passport can visit 151 Countries without prior visa; visa free or visa on arrival.

Mauritius
Mauritius is an Indian Ocean island nation, is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs It ranks 2nd in Africa, 31 in the world. Holders of Mauritian passport can access 146 Countries visa free or visa on arrival

South Africa
South African passport has experienced an unstable index over the years. Currently, it is ranked 3rd in Africa, and 54 on the global scale. Holders of South Africa passport can access 101 Countries without prior visa.

Namibia
This Southwest African country currently has the 4th most powerful passport in Africa. While it occupies the 68th position in the world, holders of this passport can visit a total of 77 countries without prior visa.

Lesotho
Lesotho, a high-altitude, landlocked kingdom encircled by South Africa has its passport ranked 5th in Africa and 69 in the world. If you hold a Basotho passport, then you can visit 76 countries without prior visa.

Malawi
Malawi is a southeastern African Country that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the west, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Mozambique to the east, south and southwest. Malawian Passport currently ranks as 6th in Africa and 72 in the world. Holders of this passport can visit 73 countries without prior visa.

See Also: Travel Requirement Update: Emirates

Kenya
Republic of Kenya currently has the 7th most powerful passport in Africa which occupies the 48th spot in the world. Holders of this passport can visit 72 countries globally without prior visa.

Zambia and Tanzania
Zambian passport ties with Tanzanian passport at 8th position in Africa and 74th in the world. Holders these passports can visit 71 countries without prior visa.

Gambia
Gambian passport ranks 9th in Africa and 75th in the world. If you possess a Gambian passport, you sure could visit 68 countries without prior visa.

Uganda
At this moment, Republic of Uganda has 10th most powerful passport in Africa and 76th in the world. Holders of Ugandan passport can visit 67 countries without having to meet any complex requirements for entry.

Others include Cape Verde, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Morocco, and Sierra Leone in the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th respectively.

Interested in studying abroad?  Contact Us to schedule free consultation.