Nigeria's passport ranking falls, loses visa-free access to 20 countries

Nigeria's passport ranking fell from 90th position in July 2026 to 181st in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index, losing access to 20 visa-free destinations. 

The latest figures represent a decline from the 44 destinations Nigerians could visit without a visa in July 2026, highlighting the reduced travel access available to holders of the country’s passport.

Data published on IziVisa.com show that Nigerian passport holders can travel to 24 countries without obtaining a visa, secure visas on arrival in 16 countries and access 43 countries through electronic visas. 

In a statement on its website, IziVisa explained that passports are ranked according to the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa beforehand.

The index considers different categories of travel access, including visa-free entry, visas on arrival and electronic visas, to assess the international mobility available to passport holders.

The United Arab Emirates leads the 2026 IziVisa ranking, with its passport providing access to 185 of 198 documented destinations through visa-free entry, visas on arrival or electronic visas.

Switzerland occupies second position, with access to 120 destinations without a visa, 26 destinations offering visas on arrival and 37 accessible through electronic visas.

Other countries featuring prominently in the ranking include Luxembourg, Malta, Denmark, Spain and Finland.

IziVisa said the differences between passports at the top and bottom of its ranking illustrate disparities in international travel access. The index uses the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa as a measure of freedom of movement.