Nigerian passport holders can travel to just 24 countries without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index, which places Nigeria 181st out of 196 countries.
The figures indicate a sharp reduction in visa-free travel access compared with the 44 destinations recorded for Nigeria in July 2026, although the two rankings should be interpreted with caution because different passport indices use different methodologies and coverage.
The latest assessment also lists 16 countries where Nigerians can obtain visas on arrival and 43 destinations accessible through electronic visas, offering alternative entry routes for travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the ranking measures passport strength by examining the destinations holders can access without securing a visa beforehand, alongside other travel-access categories.
The reported decline highlights the importance of checking entry requirements before booking international trips. Visa-free entry, a visa issued on arrival and an electronic visa are different arrangements, and travellers may still need to meet other conditions imposed by their destination countries.
In a separate assessment published in July 2026, the Henley Passport Index placed Nigeria 90th out of 199 passports, with access to 44 destinations without a visa. Henley’s index uses data from the International Air Transport Association and assesses passports against 227 travel destinations.
The two rankings cannot be compared directly because IziVisa and Henley use different methodologies and destination coverage. The difference between their reported positions does not, by itself, establish that Nigeria’s passport strength fell by 91 places under a single consistent measure.
Elsewhere in Africa, South Africa ranked 49th in the Henley index, with access to 101 destinations, while Botswana occupied 61st position with 81 destinations. Morocco ranked 67th with 71 destinations, followed by Kenya in 68th place with 70 destinations and Ghana in 70th position with 67 destinations.
The latest IziVisa figures place the focus on the travel options currently reported for Nigerian passport holders, but travellers should confirm visa requirements with the relevant authorities before making international travel arrangements.
