Seychelles leads Africa in passport index score with 156 destinations and ranks 24th globally

Key Takeaways

  • Seychelles holds Africa’s strongest passport, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 156 destinations, and ranks 24th worldwide.
  • Mauritius follows closely, with a passport index score of 149 and a strong global rank of 27th.
  • South Africa leads mainland Africa, ranking 48th globally with access to 103 countries.
  • Southern African countries dominate Africa’s top 10, with Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho all securing higher index scores than East and North African nations.
  • Africa’s passport strength varies widely, but island nations lead the way.

Seychelles tops the continent with a passport index score of 156, placing it 24th globally and making it one of the most travel-friendly African passports. Mauritius follows with a score of 149 and a 27th place global ranking, both benefiting from strong diplomatic ties and stable governance.

Among mainland African nations, South Africa stands out with access to 103 destinations, ranking 48th worldwide. Southern African countries like Botswana (85), Namibia (79), and Lesotho (76) consistently outperform others in the region. This distribution reveals how regional stability, bilateral agreements, and global partnerships shape passport power across the continent.

Source:

Hanley & Partners

Period:

June 2025
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