Nigeria once again takes its crown as one of the least powerful passports to be held globally. This status significantly impacts Nigerians, influencing their ability to explore international opportunities and engage with the global community.
For Nigerian citizens, possessing a passport with restricted global access means navigating a more complex web of visa requirements and limitations on international travel. This impacts personal travel aspirations and has implications for business, education, and collaboration on the global stage.
Nigeria doesn’t stand alone with the title of one of the least potent passports globally, and it is joined by 17 other nations facing similar limitations.
According to the official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the 2024 Henley Passport Index.
Here are the 17 world’s least powerful passports in 2024
Afghanistan
At the top of the list for the world’s least powerful passports in 2024 is Afghanistan, granting its citizens visa-free access to only 28 countries. Ongoing geopolitical and security challenges have significantly restricted Afghan citizens’ ability to travel internationally.
Syria
Following closely with visa-free access to 29 countries, Syria faces the consequences of prolonged conflict, imposing severe limitations on the global mobility of its citizens.
Iraq
Iraq, with visa-free access to 31 countries, struggles with political instability and security concerns that hamper the international travel aspirations of its citizens.
Pakistan
Pakistan, offering visa-free access to 34 countries, contends with geopolitical tensions and security issues constraining its citizens’ global mobility.
Yemen
Yemen, providing visa-free access to 35 countries, faces the repercussions of conflict and instability, further limiting its citizens’ international travel options.
Somalia
With visa-free access to 36 countries, Somalia confronts political unrest and security challenges that contribute to the constraints on the international mobility of its citizens.
Libya, Nepal, Palestinian Territories
Sharing the seventh position, Libya, Nepal, and the Palestinian Territories offer visa-free access to 40 countries, navigating unique challenges stemming from political instability, conflict, and geopolitical complexities.
Bangladesh, North Korea
Occupying the eighth spot, Bangladesh and North Korea provide visa-free access to 42 countries. While the reasons differ, both nations grapple with diplomatic challenges that limit the international travel options for their citizens.
Eritrea, Sri Lanka
Offering visa-free access to 43 countries, Eritrea and Sri Lanka face distinct challenges. Eritrea’s diplomatic isolation and Sri Lanka’s historical issues contribute to the constraints on the global mobility of its citizens.
Iran, Lebanon, Nigeria, Sudan
Closing the list with visa-free access to 45 countries, Iran, Lebanon, Nigeria, and Sudan share the tenth position. Each nation contends with unique geopolitical challenges, influencing the international travel opportunities for their citizens and underscoring the intricate nature of global diplomatic relations.
