Henley & Partners’ recent report, revealed the 2024 rankings for the World’s Most Influential Passports using the International Air Transport Association (IATA) data. The lists show passport strength through Visa-free access to countries.

Focusing on African countries, at 26th position in the Henley & Partners listing, Seychelles is the First African country with the most powerful passports with 156 destinations accessible without visas. The paradise archipelago of the tourism-driven country records a shift of three positions compared to the 2023 ranking.

Still closely following Seychelles, at 30th place on the ranking is Mauritius, a highly popular tourist destination with 150 visa-free destinations. In 53rd place, we have the most industrialized African country; South Africa followed by its southern African neighbours Botswana – 59th, Lesotho, and Namibia – 65th, and Eswatini – 66th position. 

Kenya and Malawai appeared as the only East Africa countries in the 67th position followed by Tanzania in the 69th place. Taking the 71st position are first representatives of North Africa; Morocco and Tunisia, along with Zambia. Only five spots ahead of Cape Verde and Uganda in 72nd place as of 2023, the Gambia is the top nation in West Africa.

The bulk of African states are ranked after one another, with Somalia continuing to hold the coveted title of having the weakest African passport, coming in at 99th place with 36 destinations.

Europe is ranked highest as usual, with no fewer than 27 countries featuring in the top 10. With 189 places, South Korea falls into second place, followed by Australia and New Zealand in sixth place, slightly ahead of the American passport with 188 destinations.

Here are the 10 most powerful passports in Africa:

Seychelles (156 destinations)

Mauritius (150 destinations)

South Africa (108 destinations )

Botswana (91 destinations)

Lesotho and Namibia (80 destinations)

Eswatini (78 destinations)

Kenya and Malawi (76 destinations)

Tanzania (73 destinations)