Travellers from Nigeria can enter only 24 countries visa-free, index shows

Nigeria's passport now ranks 181st out of 196 countries in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index, with holders able to enter just 24 destinations without arranging a visa in advance. The index measures the travel access available to passport holders through visa-free entry, visas on arrival and electronic visas (e-Visas).

The new position is a sharp drop from the 90th place Nigeria held in July 2026, when the passport carried visa-free access to 44 destinations.

Key facts

• Rank: 181st out of 196 countries in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index
• Visa-free access: 24 destinations
• Visas on arrival: available in 16 countries
• e-Visas: available for 43 other destinations
• Previous standing: 90th in July 2026, with visa-free access to 44 destinations

What does the ranking show?

Data published on IziVisa.com shows Nigerian passport holders can obtain visas on arrival in 16 countries and use e-Visas to reach 43 others, in addition to the 24 destinations open without a visa in advance. The index assesses passports on the travel access available to their holders, counting visa-free entry, visas on arrival and e-Visas.

The figures underline the limited international mobility available to Nigerian passport holders compared with travellers holding higher-ranked passports.

Which passports lead the index?

The United Arab Emirates tops the IziVisa ranking, with its passport providing access to 185 of 198 documented destinations through visa-free entry, visas on arrival or e-Visas. Switzerland is second, with 120 destinations without a visa, 26 offering visas on arrival and 37 accessible through e-Visas. Luxembourg, Malta, Denmark, Spain and Finland also feature prominently.

Why does this differ from the Henley ranking?

Nigeria's position in the IziVisa index differs significantly from its standing in the July 2026 Henley Passport Index, which placed the country 90th out of 199 passports, with visa-free access to 44 destinations. The Henley index is compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association and assesses 199 passports against 227 travel destinations, ranking them by the number of destinations holders can enter without obtaining a visa before departure.

Among African countries in the July Henley ranking, South Africa placed 49th globally with access to 101 destinations, Botswana 61st with 81 and Morocco 67th with 71. Kenya ranked 68th with 70 destinations, while Ghana was 70th with 67.

What this means for travellers

Nigerian passport holders planning trips abroad should check the entry requirements for each destination before booking, as the number of places open without a visa in advance is limited. Where a visa is required, the figures indicate that visas on arrival and e-Visas are options in a further 16 and 43 destinations respectively.

No changes to visa rules or passport requirements are announced in the ranking itself; the figures reflect the access recorded by the index.