Nigerian Passport Plummets 32 Places In Global Ranking Over 20 Years Full List

As reported by Punch, the index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access either visa-free or through visa-on-arrival arrangements.

Although the Nigerian passport gained access to 11 additional destinations during this period, it fell from 62nd place in 2006 to 94th in 2025.

Currently, the green passport provides access to 46 destinations either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival programs, up from 35 in 2006. However, Nigerians still face travel restrictions in over 181 destinations worldwide.

As of January 2025, Nigerian passport holders can enter only 25 countries visa-free. Including destinations that offer visa-on-arrival and e-visa options, this number increases to 46.

Countries granting visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa access to Nigerians include several African nations such as Benin, Ghana, The Gambia, and Senegal, along with others like Iran, Maldives, Fiji, and Antigua and Barbuda.

Recent reports indicate that the Nigerian passport has seen a slight improvement in recent years, moving from 103rd place in 2021 to 94th in 2025.

Despite this, its overall ranking among 199 countries and 227 travel destinations studied continues to reflect limited global mobility.

The Henley Passport Index, based on data from the International Air Transport Association, highlights that changes in ranking are influenced by countries strengthening diplomatic relations, modernising visa processes, and enhancing border security measures.

A higher ranking often reflects successful measures, while a decline indicates gaps in international collaboration and travel facilitation.