In a recent assessment by VisaGuide’s World Passport Index, the Nigerian passport has been ranked at 191 out of 199 countries, positioning it among the least favorable passports for international travel. This ranking places Nigeria’s passport above countries such as North Korea, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, and Somalia.
This development raises concerns regarding Nigeria’s efforts to enhance global mobility, despite initiatives such as e-visa programs. Conversely, the Singaporean passport secured the top spot, recognized as the strongest globally, followed by passports from Italy, Spain, France, and Germany.
The report identifies various factors contributing to Nigeria’s passport decline, including limited visa-free access, diplomatic relations, and security concerns. Additionally, considerations such as electronic travel authorizations, visa on arrival, e-visas, embassy-approved visas, passport-free travel, and banned entry contribute to the passport’s ranking.
The Henley Passport Index, which assesses visa-free access for passport holders, previously listed the Nigerian passport among the bottom 10 performing travel documents worldwide. This consistent low ranking underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to address underlying issues affecting its passport’s global standing.
**Top 20 Passports in the World (According to VisaGuide’s World Passport Index):**
1. Singapore
2. Italy
3. Spain
4. France
5. Germany
6. Hungary
7. Austria
8. Ireland
9. Netherlands
10. Belgium
11. Switzerland
12. Luxembourg
13. Finland
14. Japan
15. Sweden
16. Denmark
17. Norway
18. Czech Republic
19. Portugal
20. Poland
