Nigerian Passport Holders Can Travel to 24 Countries Without Getting a Visa in Advance, Ranks 181st

Nigeria ranked 181st out of 196 countries in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index.

From reports, Nigeria’s ranking has dropped from 90th in July 2026, when passport holders had access to 44 destinations without a visa.

IziVisa evaluates passports based on the number of destinations available via visa-free entry, visas on arrival, and electronic visas.

Beyond the 24 visa-free destinations, Nigerians can obtain visas on arrival in 16 countries and apply for electronic visas to visit 43 more, according to the data.

UAE and Switzerland lead the IziVisa ranking.

According to Punch, the United Arab Emirates ranked first in the most recent IziVisa assessment, with its passport providing access to 185 of 198 destinations via visa-free entry, visas on arrival, or electronic visas.

Switzerland ranked second, with visa-free travel to 120 destinations, visas on arrival in 26 countries, and electronic visas for an additional 37.

Luxembourg, Malta, Denmark, Spain, and Finland were also among the top-ranked passports.

How Nigeria compares on the Henley index

Separately, the Henley Passport Index, published in October 2026 by Henley & Partners, stated that Nigeria’s passport improved in October 2026, rising to 92nd place from 94th in October 2025.

The Henley Index uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to assess passport access across 227 travel destinations.

Nigeria’s passport ranking has fluctuated over time. It ranked 62nd in 2006, but dropped to 76th in 2010 and 87th in 2012.

The country’s ranking rose to 78th in 2013, but dropped to 95th in 2015. Nigeria ranked 94th in 2018; 95th in 2019; and 94th in 2020.

It dropped to 103rd in 2021 before rising to 98th in 2022, 97th in 2023, and 95th in 2024. Nigeria ranked 94th in 2025, rising to 92nd in 2026.

The IziVisa and Henley indices employ different methodologies and cover a different number of destinations, so their rankings are not directly comparable.

Nigerian travelers should confirm entry requirements with the relevant embassies or immigration authorities before traveling, especially to destinations that require electronic visas or visas on arrival.