South African passport: Among the most powerful in Africa
South Africa’s passport ranks as the third strongest in Africa, granting visa-free access to 106 destinations.
According to the latest Passport Index by Henley & Partners, the Seychelles, Mauritius, and South Africa possess the three most powerful passports in Africa.
Passport Index
Markedly, the Henley Passport Index is the original and authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports. The index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – the largest and most accurate travel information database – and is enhanced by Henley & Partners’ research team. Expert insights regarding the latest ranking are available in the Global Mobility Report 2024.
The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations and is updated monthly.
Africa’s top 10 most powerful passports
Africa’s top 10 most powerful passports, in chronological order, are:
- Seychelles
- Mauritius
- South Africa
- Namibia
- Lesotho
- Eswatini
- Kenya
- Malawi
- Tanzania
- Morocco
This ranking is based on the number of destinations holders of these passports can access visa-free. Seychelles passport holders can access 156 destinations altogether visa-free. South Africa’s passport allows access to 106 destinations in comparison.
Where does SA rank globally?
According to IOL, Singapore’s passport remains the world’s most powerful passport allowing holders access to 195 destinations visa-free. The city-state has set a new record score, with its citizens enjoying visa-free access to 195 travel destinations altogether out of 227 around the world.
Markedly, the US and the UK used to hold top spots for their passports. However, the UK now holds the 4th position worldwide and the US currently holds the 8th position. US passport holders have access to 186 destinations visa-free.
Henley & Partners noted that The United Arab Emirates (UAE) made it into the global top 10 for the first time, with its visa-free score of 185 at the present time. Henley & Partners CEO, Dr Juerg Steffen, says this is due to ‘deliberate and concerted efforts by the Emirati government to position the UAE as a global hub for business, tourism, and investment’.
Dr Christian Kaelin, chairperson of Henley & Partners, said that the trend in general over the past two decades has been towards greater travel freedom.
“However, the global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than it has ever been.”
Dr Christian Kaelin
Overall, South Africa ranks 47th in passport strength worldwide.
At the very bottom of the list is Afghanistan with its citizens only able to visit 26 countries without a visa. This is a particularly low score, the lowest recorded in the 19-year history of the Passport Index.