Island Nation Seychelles Leads Africa in Passport Power, Expanding Global Travel Access

BY UCHECHI OKPORIE

Seychelles has retained its position as the holder of Africa’s most powerful passport, offering its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 152 destinations around the world. The country also climbed to 28th place globally in the latest passport mobility rankings.

The ranking is based on the Henley & Partners Passport Index, which evaluates passports according to the number of countries their holders can visit without needing a visa beforehand.

Officials in Seychelles say the government continues to negotiate new visa-waiver agreements with strategic countries to expand travel freedom for its citizens. The introduction of biometric passports has also helped strengthen the country’s global mobility and security standards.

The island nation remains ahead of other African countries in passport strength, reflecting its strong diplomatic relations and consistent focus on international travel access for its citizens.