Nigerian Passport Rises to 89th on Henley Index — 44 Countries Now Accessible Without Prior Visa

Nigeria’s passport has climbed five places on the 2026 Henley Passport Index, moving from 94th in 2025 to 89th globally. But the improved ranking comes with a catch: the number of countries Nigerians can access without a prior visa actually dropped — from 46 destinations to 44.

The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports based on how many of 227 countries their holders can enter without a prior visa, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Nigeria’s rise of five spots continues a gradual improvement from its lowest point of 103rd in 2021.

Climbing the Ladder While Losing Ground

The numbers tell an interesting story. Nigeria’s global ranking went up, but it lost access to two destinations it previously had. That happens because passport rankings depend on relative performance — other countries can also add destinations, shifting positions without anyone actually improving their own access. The practical outcome for Nigerian travellers is two fewer countries they can visit freely compared to last year.

Nigeria still ranks below several African countries on the same index, including Egypt, Liberia, Gabon, Cameroon, Chad, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali. The highest Nigeria has ever ranked on the Henley index was 62nd in 2006.

What 44 Countries Actually Looks Like

Of the 44 countries accessible to Nigerians, not all are visa-free in the strictest sense. Some require a visa on arrival — meaning travellers receive their visa upon landing rather than applying in advance. The distinction matters for planning, since visa-on-arrival still involves paperwork, fees, and sometimes uncertainty at the port of entry.

The major destinations most Nigerians want to visit — the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Schengen Area — all require visas obtained in advance. That has not changed. The ranking improvement is a statistical milestone, but its impact on day-to-day travel for most Nigerians is limited.

Sources: BBC Pidgin, Legit.ng, Business Elites Africa, Henley Passport Index 2026