Top 10 African Countries With the Strongest Passports in 2025

In Summary

• Seychelles tops the list of having the strongest passport in Africa with a wide margin compared to other African countries. It allows visa-on-arrival or visa-free access to 149 Countries.
• South Africa is the only country in the top three with a decline in its passport strength compared to the past rankings. This shows the country's stricter global visa policies and regional geopolitical influence.
• There has been a consistent improvement in global mobility for African passports. However, despite this, it is still highly unequal, with a surprising gap of 69 countries between the first and the tenth.

Deep Dive!!

The Power to move across borders is now becoming very important. We often compare power to military strength, natural resources, or political influence, but the data and influence in global mobility are now incomparable as it can now be the gateway to opportunities. For Millions of Africans, a strong passport means better access to healthcare, job opportunities, investment, and education, but most importantly, it equally means more access to explore the world and less time in visa queues.

The Passport Index released an updated ranking that shows how African passports are performing globally based on their mobility score. The mobility score reflects the number of countries their holders can visit with a visa-on-arrival or visa-free. The updated data shows steady growth, ranking top leaders and improvement between the countries in Africa.

10. Tunisia

Tunisia has a mobility score of 80. Although ranking 10th on this list, Tunisia's 80 mobility score is still quite modest globally. Tunisia is ranked higher than Namibia and Malawi despite having the same mobility score, because it has a wider spread of visa-free access to parts of Asia, particularly in the Middle East. Tunisia has access without a visa or grants a visa on arrival to approximately 11 countries in Asia. For most Tunisian citizens, travelling around African countries and some parts of Asia remains easy, although the country's connection with the European Union is limited in terms of free movement.

9. Malawi

Malawi ranks high with a mobility score of 80. It has a stable economic regulation and this has contributed to its passport strength. With its diplomatic ties within the Commonwealth, and historical relationships built during the non-aligned movements, Malawi has 9 passports in Asia.

Malawi's mobility score is not about economic standing but joining global foreign policy and foreign policy consistency.

8. Namibia

In Southern Africa, Namibia stands out with a mobility score of 80. It has managed to maintain its diplomatic visibility and has visa-free access to about 10 Asian countries. Stable governance and effective bilateral agreements are what keep Namibia at the top. Adding to its low profile status, it has made significant improvements in several aspects to enhance its mobility score globally.

7. Eswatini

Despite the size of Eswatini, it still has a mobility score of 81. The country maintains a good relationship with over 10 Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea while enjoying visa-free and visa-on-arrival access. Eswatini reflects how well smaller nations can do when they are diplomatically engaged and stable.

6. Lesotho

Another country in South Africa that stands out again is Lesotho. With a mobility score of 82, Lesotho also has access to over 10 Asian countries, giving its citizens a strong passport that works beyond the African continent. Lesotho has maintained strong bilateral relations, particularly within the East Asian trade circles and the Commonwealth. This connection has helped maintain its strong global access for its citizens.

5. Morocco

Morocco is a strong tourist destination, and this has also supported its passport strength. Having a mobility score of 86, it has visa-free or Visa-on-arrival access to over 13 countries in Asia. In Arab and parts of Europe, Morocco has always maintained a strategic diplomacy.

Ongoing economic partnerships in the Middle East and Asia, with its North Africa position, have also helped in expanding its mobility options. However, its stiff visa restrictions from the EU still hinder its mobility access from growing.

4. Botswana

Botswana's global passport influence can be seen as a success story in Southern Africa. The country has a mobility score of 86 and has access to over 12 countries in Asia due to its good governance and diplomatic neutrality.

Botswana has stable institutions and a clean international profile making its passport one of the most respected in Africa. The Citizen's passport gets smooth access to Asia, the Americas, and several regions in Europe.

3. South Africa

South Africa's mobility score of 111 is well ahead of every other Sub-Saharan African country making it a clear regional leader in mobility. Years of diplomacy and investment across the G20 forums and the BRICS alliance have enabled citizens to enjoy visa-free or Visa-on-arrival access to close to 17 Asia countries. Surprisingly, South Africa's high Mobility score is a drop compared to previous year's and this can be attributed to its concerns over migration control and tightening policies in some EU states. The Passport still remains travel-friendly for citizens in the region.

2. Mauritius

Mauritius has a mobility score of 141. The island nation has access to over 20 Asian countries, including China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Mauritius' deep international ties, especially in Asia-Pacific, stable financial system, and peaceful politics make its passport well respected globally. For Mauritius citizens travelling can be seen as a global invitation rather than a burden.

1. Seychelles

Topping the list in Africa and the top 21st globally is Seychelles with a mobility score of 149. The country has access to over 26 countries in Asia. Seychelles' passport strength can be attributed to its non-alignment during major conflicts, a reputation for neutrality, and active international diplomacy. Seychellois citizens enjoy global privilege with seamless visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.