Top 10 African passports for global mobility in 2025

African passports offer varying levels of access to countries worldwide, reflecting the differing degrees of travel freedom across the continent in 2025. A strong passport simplifies global exploration, granting citizens greater ease in crossing borders without the need for prior visas.

Globally, certain nations provide their citizens with more powerful passports, enabling smoother travel and opening up broader opportunities for international engagement.

Seychelles retains Africa’s most powerful passport in 2025, ranked 25th globally by the Henley Passport Index with access to 156 destinations, followed by Mauritius (29th, 151 destinations) and South Africa (48th, 106 destinations), while minor shifts include Namibia overtaking Lesotho for 5th place and Morocco replacing Tanzania in the top 10, as African nations continue efforts to enhance global mobility through diplomatic ties and visa agreements.

According to Forbes, here are the top 10 African passports for global mobility in 2025

1. Seychelles – Access to 156 Countries

Seychelles leads Africa in terms of global mobility. Its passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 countries. This reflects the country’s strong diplomatic ties and efforts to foster international cooperation.

2. Mauritius – Access to 151 Countries

Mauritius follows closely, with its citizens having access to 151 destinations. This has positioned the island nation as a leader in global travel freedom for Africans.

3. South Africa – Access to 106 Countries

South Africa holds the third position. Its passport provides access to 106 countries, allowing its citizens considerable mobility.

4. Botswana – Access to 88 Countries

Botswana ranks fourth, with access to 88 destinations. This highlights the country’s commitment to international engagement.

5. Namibia – Access to 81 Countries

Namibia is fifth on the list. Its citizens can travel to 81 destinations without requiring a visa or by obtaining a visa on arrival.

6. Lesotho – Access to 79 Countries

Lesotho is sixth, offering its passport holders access to 79 countries. This reflects steady progress in enhancing travel opportunities for its citizens.

7. eSwatini – Access to 77 Countries

eSwatini takes the seventh spot. Its passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 77 destinations, strengthening its citizens’ international reach.

8. Malawi – Access to 75 Countries

Malawi ranks eighth, with access to 75 destinations. This provides its citizens with increasing global travel options.

9. Kenya – Access to 74 Countries

Kenya secures the ninth position, enabling its citizens to visit 74 destinations without visa restrictions or by securing visas upon arrival.

10. Morocco – Access to 73 Countries

Morocco completes the list, with its passport offering access to 73 destinations. The country continues to strengthen its global ties.

Chisom Michael

Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

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