In 2025, many African nations continue to grapple with the reality of having some of the weakest passports in the world. This means their citizens face limited access to international destinations, often burdened with complex visa requirements and lengthy approval processes. These travel restrictions don’t just affect holidays or leisure — they create barriers to education, business, and global collaboration.
The strength of a passport is often measured by the number of destinations its holders can access without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival. For many African countries, limited diplomatic ties, political instability, and economic challenges have resulted in weaker passports, making it harder for their citizens to travel for work, education, or leisure. Improving passport rankings requires more than just policy shifts — it demands stronger governance, strategic diplomatic relationships, and sustained economic growth. Until these changes happen, many Africans will continue to face significant barriers to global mobility
Here’s a look at the 10 least powerful African passports in 2025, according to Henley and Partners Passport Index,
1. Republic of Congo — 50 Destinations
Sitting at the top of this list, the Republic of Congo’s passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 50 countries. Although this is a slightly higher count compared to others on the list, Congolese citizens still face restrictions when it comes to international travel, with limited access to major global destinations.
2. Djibouti — 49 Destinations
Djibouti’s passport allows holders to visit 49 countries without requiring a visa in advance. Despite its strategic location in the Horn of Africa — which bolsters its regional ties — broader global mobility remains a chchallenge.
3. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) — 46 Destinations
The DRC passport provides access to 46 countries. Decades of political unrest, economic instability, and weak international alliances have severely limited the travel freedom of its citizens.
4. Ethiopia — 46 Destinations
Ethiopia, a country rich in culture and history, also offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to just 46 nations. While Ethiopia maintains some regional influence, limited diplomatic reach and ongoing political issues have kept its passport from gaining more strength.
5. Nigeria — 46 Destinations
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s passport only allows access to 46 destinations without a visa. A combination of immigration concerns, overstays by travellers, and strained diplomatic relations has led to stricter visa policies for Nigerian passport holders.
6. South Sudan — 44 Destinations
As the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan faces many challenges, including limited international recognition and weak diplomatic ties. Its passport grants access to just 44 destinations, reflecting the ongoing struggles of building global alliances since gaining independence in 2011.
7. Sudan — 43 Destinations
Sudan’s passport provides entry to 43 countries without prior visas. Political instability and a turbulent transition of power have weakened the country’s international standing, restricting its citizens’ travel options.
8. Eritrea — 42 Destinations
Eritrea ranks third, with its passport offering access to 42 countries. The nation’s strict emigration policies and diplomatic isolation have contributed to its low ranking, limiting travel opportunities for its people.
9. Libya — 40 Destinations
Libya’s passport allows for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to only 40 destinations. Years of internal conflict, security challenges, and strained international relations have kept Libya’s passport among the weakest in Africa.
10. Somalia — 35 Destinations
Topping the list as the least powerful passport in Africa is Somalia, with access to just 35 countries. Political instability, ongoing conflict, and global security concerns have severely restricted the travel freedom of Somali citizens, leaving their passport at the bottom of the continent’s rankings.
While some African nations are making strides in strengthening diplomatic ties and negotiating better visa agreements, the reality remains that millions of people still face considerable travel barriers. Building a future where passports open more doors for African citizens will require deliberate efforts in governance, economic development, and global collaboration.
