Togolese Travelers With Ethiopian Ties Face Visa Hurdles as Ethiopia Ranks 90th

Ethiopian passport holders can enter just 17 countries without a visa, according to figures attributed to the 2026 Global Passport Power Index. The ranking places Ethiopia 90th globally and highlights the hurdles Ethiopian citizens face when travelling for business, study or cultural exchange.

Key facts

• Ranking: 90th globally in the 2026 Global Passport Power Index
• Visa-free access: 17 countries
• Visas on arrival: a further 33 destinations
• African Union states allowing visa-free entry: Kenya, Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda and Togo
• Comparable passports: Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan

Where can Ethiopian passport holders go without a visa?

The index lists 17 countries that Ethiopian citizens can visit visa-free, plus 33 destinations where visas are available on arrival. Within the African Union, only five member states are listed as granting Ethiopian passport holders visa-free entry: Kenya, Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda and Togo.

How does Ethiopia compare with other passports?

The index places Ethiopia at position 90 worldwide, alongside countries including Somalia, Yemen, Syria and Afghanistan. The figures were attributed to the 2026 Global Passport Power Index and cited by Passport Rank.

Why is the passport ranked so low?

The report attributes the passport's standing to a combination of economic conditions, security concerns and diplomatic relations. It says foreign governments commonly weigh income levels, security risks and the likelihood of visa overstays when setting entry requirements.

Regional instability and security concerns in the Horn of Africa are also cited as factors behind strict visa screening for Ethiopian travellers, along with limited reciprocal visa-waiver arrangements.

What does this mean for Ethiopian travellers?

The restrictions mean Ethiopian citizens often face advance visa applications, extensive documentation and processing delays when crossing borders, the report says. It notes that these hurdles can affect businesses attending trade exhibitions or negotiating deals abroad, as well as students and researchers pursuing academic exchanges.

The report also points to an asymmetry: foreign businesspeople can enter Ethiopia through e-Visas or visas on arrival, while Ethiopian nationals must complete more demanding procedures to visit potential markets. The consequences extend beyond commerce to academic cooperation, cultural exchanges and international engagement, it says.

No changes to passport rules or visa requirements have been announced; the figures describe the current situation set out in the index.