A strong passport can make international travel more seamless and provide greater access to the world.

Globally, some nations provide their citizens with more powerful passports, making travel easier and opening up broader opportunities for international connections.

The latest Henley Passport Index, which tracks 199 passports and 227 destinations using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has released its latest rankings, highlighting the countries whose citizens enjoy the widest global access.

In Africa, Seychelles retains its position as the continent’s strongest passport holder. Ranked 24th globally, the Seychellois passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 154 destinations. Mauritius follows in second place in Africa, ranking 27th worldwide with access to 147 countries, while South Africa ranks third on the continent, placing 48th globally with entry to 101 destinations.

On the global stage, Singapore remains the world’s most powerful passport, granting access to 192 countries without a prior visa. Japan and South Korea follow jointly, each providing access to 188 destinations.

Here are the top 10 Africa’s most powerful passports at start of 2026

1. Seychelles – 24th globally

Seychelles retains Africa’s strongest passport in 2026, ranked 24th worldwide with access to 154 countries. Although slightly down from 156 destinations in 2025, it continues to offer wide mobility across Europe, Asia, and the Americas for tourism, business, and international engagements.

2. Mauritius – 27th globally

Mauritius ranks second in Africa and 27th globally, providing visa-free access to 147 countries. While access dropped from 151 destinations in 2025, its global ranking has improved.

3. South Africa – 48th globally

South Africa’s passport is ranked 48th worldwide, granting entry to 101 countries. Although the number of accessible destinations declined from 106 in 2025, its global position remains steady.

4. Botswana – 59th globally

Botswana stands 59th globally, with visa-free access to 81 countries. Despite a slight drop from 57th in 2025, it continues to provide strong mobility, especially within Africa.

5. Namibia – 62nd globally

Namibia holds the 62nd spot worldwide, allowing travel to 76 countries. This marks a decline from 81 destinations in 2025, but the ranking remains stable, supporting regional travel and selective international access.

6. Lesotho – 63rd globally

Lesotho ranks 63rd globally, offering visa-free access to 74 countries. Although the number of destinations fell from 79 in 2025, its ranking improved slightly.

7. eSwatini – 65th globally

eSwatini is ranked 65th worldwide, granting access to 72 countries. While the number of destinations dropped from 77 in 2025, its ranking remains unchanged, with travel mobility strongest within Africa.

8. Morocco – 65th globally

Morocco shares the 65th global position, offering visa-free access to 72 countries. The North African nation moved up from 69th in 2025, rising from 10th to 8th among Africa’s top passports. Analysts say hosting AFCON strengthened diplomatic ties and travel arrangements across Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia.

9. Malawi – 66th globally

Malawi ranks 66th worldwide, allowing entry to 71 countries. While slightly down from 2025, the passport continues to support regional and selective international travel.

10. Kenya – 68th globally

Kenya completes Africa’s top 10, ranked 68th globally with visa-free access to 69 countries. Its position remains unchanged from 2025, providing solid regional mobility despite visa requirements for many international destinations. (The Nation)

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