10 African countries with the strongest passports in 2024

A specimen of the Lesotho National Identity Card and passport
Source: Lesotho Home Affairs website

In 2024, the strength of a passport is a significant indicator of a country's global mobility and the ease with which its citizens can travel internationally.

The Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa, provides valuable insights into the most powerful passports in Africa.

Here are the top 10 African countries with the strongest passports:

  • Seychelles continues to lead the continent with its passport holders enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries.
  • Mauritius follows closely, offering its citizens visa-free access to 150 destinations.
  • South Africa remains a strong contender with its passport providing access to 106 countries without a prior visa.
  • Botswana's passport allows entry to 88 countries, making it one of the most powerful in Southern Africa.
  • Namibia offers visa-free access to 81 destinations.
  • Lesotho's passport strength provides travel freedom to 79 destinations.
  • Eswatini's passport holders can travel to 77 countries without needing a visa beforehand.
  • Kenya's passport allows visa-free access to 75 destinations, making it one of the strongest in East Africa.
  • Malawi follows closely with its passport holders enjoying visa-free travel to 75 countries.
  • Tanzania rounds out the top 10, with its passport providing access to 73 destinations without a prior visa.

These rankings highlight the varying degrees of travel freedom enjoyed by citizens of different African nations. The strength of a passport can significantly impact a person's ability to travel for business, education, or leisure, making it a crucial aspect of global mobility.

You may be interested in

/
/
/
/
/
/
/