Mauritius has the second most powerful passport in Africa 

The Henley Passport Index, a global index which assesses and ranks the world’s most travel-friendly passports, has released its latest report for the first quarter of 22. 

The Q1 2022 index cross-examined the passports of 199 countries with 227 travel destinations; and ranked these passports based on global access and mobility.

Mauritius was ranked among the top 10 in Africa.

Each passport is scored based on the number of destinations that the holder can access visa-free. This also applies if passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival, a visitor’s permit, or an electronic travel authority upon entry. 

Below is the list of top 10 African countries with the most powerful passports.

1. Seychelles

Seychelles’ passport which is ranked 28th globally is the most powerful on the African continent. Those who hold Seychelles’ passport holders can travel to 152 countries visa-free.

2. Mauritius

Mauritius which has the second most powerful passport in Africa is ranked 31st globally. The country’s passport holders can travel to 146 destinations visa-free

3. South Africa

South Africa’s passport is ranked 51st globally. It, however, has the third most powerful passport in Africa. South Africa’s passport holders can access 104 counties visa-free.

4. Botswana

With the ability to travel to 86 countries visa-free, Botswana is ranked 60th most powerful country globally. In Africa, Botswana is the fourth most powerful.

5. Namibia

Namibia’s passport is the fifth most powerful in Africa. At the global level, it is ranked 66th and the holders can visit 78 countries visa-free.

6. Lesotho

Lesotho is ranked sixth in Africa and 67th globally. Passport holders can visit 77 countries without a visa. 

7. Eswatini

Eswatini’s passport holders can visit 74 countries visa-free. It is ranked 69th globally and seventh in Africa. 

8. Malawi

Malawi is ranked 70th globally on the index. The country’s passport holders can access 73 destinations visa-free.

9. Kenya

Kenya, the East African giant, is ranked 71 globally. Kenyan passport holders can visit 72 countries without a visa.

10. Tanzania

Tanzania, another East African country, is ranked 71st globally. It has the 10th most powerful passport in Africa.