Nigeria’s passport has been ranked 181st out of 196 countries in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index, with holders able to visit only 24 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance.
The ranking marks a sharp contrast with the 90th position Nigeria occupied in July 2026, when the passport had visa-free access to 44 destinations, according to figures cited in the report.
Data published on IziVisa.com show that Nigerian passport holders can also obtain visas on arrival in 16 countries and use electronic visas to access 43 others.
The index assesses passports based on the travel access available to their holders, including visa-free entry, visas on arrival and electronic visas.
The latest figures highlight the limited international mobility available to Nigerian passport holders compared with those of higher-ranked countries.
The United Arab Emirates leads the IziVisa ranking, with its passport providing access to 185 of 198 documented destinations through visa-free entry, visas on arrival or electronic visas.
Switzerland occupies second place, with access to 120 destinations without a visa, 26 offering visas on arrival and 37 accessible through electronic visas. Luxembourg, Malta, Denmark, Spain and Finland also feature prominently.
Nigeria’s reported position 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, compiled by Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association, assesses 199 passports against 227 travel destinations. Its ranking is based on the number of destinations passport 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 ranked 61st with 81 destinations, while Morocco was 67th with 71.
Kenya ranked 68th with access to 70 destinations, while Ghana occupied 70th position with 67 destinations.
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