What is Nigeria's passport ranking in 2025 and how has it changed over the years?

Nigeria ranks 96th globally in the 2025 Henley Passport Index with access to 44 destinations. The ranking has declined from 62nd in 2006 (35 destinations) to its lowest at 103rd in 2021. The passport saw its best performance in 2010 (76th rank, 51 destinations) and has remained relatively stable between 91st-103rd since 2015.

Do Nigerian citizens need a visa to visit the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada?

Yes, Nigerian passport holders require visas for the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. These are among the most commonly requested visas by Nigerians. Applicants must apply in advance through the respective embassy or consulate, provide extensive documentation including financial proof, travel history, and attend interviews. Processing times vary from 2 weeks to several months.

Which countries offer e-visas or visas-on-arrival for Nigerian passport holders?

Nigerians can obtain visas-on-arrival in 15 countries including Maldives, Mauritius, Cambodia, Samoa, and Burundi. Additionally, 39 countries offer e-visas including UAE, Turkey, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Qatar, Bahrain, and India. E-visas typically require online applications with supporting documents submitted 3-7 days before travel.

Can Nigerian passport holders travel to Dubai (UAE) and what are the visa requirements?

Yes, Nigerians can travel to the UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) but require a visa. As of 2025, Nigeria is on the UAE's e-visa eligible list. Travelers must apply online through approved agencies or sponsors, provide passport copies, photographs, hotel bookings, and financial proof. Tourist visas are typically valid for 30-90 days. Approval is not guaranteed and processing takes 3-5 business days.

What documents are required to apply for or renew a Nigerian passport in 2025?

For new passports: National Identity Number (NIN), birth certificate or declaration of age, local government identification letter, passport photographs, and completed application form. For renewals: old passport, NIN, passport photographs, and online payment receipt. Applications are processed through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal. Standard 32-page passports cost ₦35,000 (5-year validity) or ₦70,000 (10-year validity), while 64-page passports cost ₦70,000 or ₦100,000 respectively.

Is military service mandatory for Nigerian citizens and does it affect passport issuance?

Nigeria does not have mandatory military service. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is compulsory for Nigerian graduates under 30, requiring one year of national service, but this is not military service. NYSC completion certificate may be required for certain government job applications and some international scholarship applications, but it does not affect passport issuance or international travel rights.

Can Nigerians travel visa-free within ECOWAS countries and what are the requirements?

Yes, Nigerian citizens enjoy visa-free access to all 15 ECOWAS member states including Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Côte d'Ivoire, Cape Verde, and Cameroon (associate member). Travelers need only a valid passport or ECOWAS travel certificate and can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business. Right to work requires additional permits from host countries.

Which countries are most difficult for Nigerian passport holders to get visas for and why?

The most difficult visas for Nigerians are typically Schengen countries (Germany, France, UK), USA, Canada, and Australia due to high rejection rates (20-40%). Common reasons include: perceived immigration risk, insufficient financial proof, lack of strong ties to Nigeria, incomplete documentation, and previous visa violations by other nationals. Applicants should provide comprehensive bank statements (6 months), employment letters, property ownership, and detailed travel itineraries to improve approval chances.

Can Nigerian passport holders transit through major international hubs without a visa?

Transit visa requirements vary by country and duration. Nigerian passport holders generally DO need transit visas for the UK (even for airside transit), USA, Canada, and Australia. However, many countries allow visa-free airside transit if not leaving the airport and continuing within 24 hours, including Dubai (UAE - 48 hours), Turkey, Singapore, and some Schengen airports (if holding valid onward visas). Always verify specific transit rules with airlines and destination embassies before booking, as policies change frequently.

Nigeria Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 44 Countries

The Nigerian passport currently ranks 96th globally in 2025, providing visa-free access to 44 destinations worldwide. Over the past two decades, Nigeria's passport ranking has fluctuated significantly, from 62nd place in 2006 to its current position, reflecting varying levels of international travel mobility. While offering limited visa-free travel compared to top-ranking passports, Nigerian passport holders can still access select African, Caribbean, and Asian countries without advance visa requirements. The passport's modest global standing highlights ongoing challenges in international diplomatic relations and travel freedom for Nigerian citizens.

Global Rank

#96

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Nigeria passport

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

142

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Nigeria passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

27 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

15 countries

🔐 ETA Required

2 countries

Seychelles
St. Kitts and Nevis

💻 E-Visa

40 countries

❌ Visa Required

142 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Nigeria's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 34 positions from 2006 to 2025

Official Nigeria Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Nigeria Immigration Service

🔗

Nigeria Immigration Service - Passport

🔗

Federal Ministry of Interior, Nigeria

🔗

U.S. Embassy in Nigeria - Travel Info

🔗

UK Government - Travel Advice Nigeria

🔗

Canadian Travel Advisory - Nigeria

Compare Nigeria Passport with Other Passports

See how Nigeria's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Nigeria (You are here)	#96	44	45/100	52/100
Niger	#86	56	28/100	57/100
Algeria	#86	56	28/100	14/100
Equatorial Guinea	#87	55	12/100	13/100
Guinea	#87	55	28/100	13/100
Mali	#88	54	42/100	51/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Nigerian passport holders can visit 44 visa-free destinations in 2025, including 27 countries with visa-free access, 15 with visa-on-arrival, and 2 with electronic travel authorization (Seychelles and St. Kitts and Nevis). Major visa-free destinations include ECOWAS countries (Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Benin, etc.), Barbados, Haiti, Fiji, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Nigeria's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Nigeria Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 44 Countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Nigeria's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 34 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Nigeria Passport with Other Passports

See how Nigeria's passport compares with other AFRICA in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Nigeria (You are here)	#96	44	45/100	52/100
Niger	#86	56	28/100	57/100
Algeria	#86	56	28/100	14/100
Equatorial Guinea	#87	55	12/100	13/100
Guinea	#87	55	28/100	13/100
Mali	#88	54	42/100	51/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Nigeria passport

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Nigeria's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Nigeria Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Nigeria Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Nigerian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

What is Nigeria's passport ranking in 2025 and how has it changed over the years?

Do Nigerian citizens need a visa to visit the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada?

Which countries offer e-visas or visas-on-arrival for Nigerian passport holders?

Can Nigerian passport holders travel to Dubai (UAE) and what are the visa requirements?

What documents are required to apply for or renew a Nigerian passport in 2025?

Is military service mandatory for Nigerian citizens and does it affect passport issuance?

Can Nigerians travel visa-free within ECOWAS countries and what are the requirements?

Which countries are most difficult for Nigerian passport holders to get visas for and why?

Can Nigerian passport holders transit through major international hubs without a visa?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Nigeria passport

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Nigeria's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Official Nigeria Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Nigeria Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Nigerian passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

What is Nigeria's passport ranking in 2025 and how has it changed over the years?

Do Nigerian citizens need a visa to visit the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada?

Which countries offer e-visas or visas-on-arrival for Nigerian passport holders?

Can Nigerian passport holders travel to Dubai (UAE) and what are the visa requirements?

What documents are required to apply for or renew a Nigerian passport in 2025?

Is military service mandatory for Nigerian citizens and does it affect passport issuance?

Can Nigerians travel visa-free within ECOWAS countries and what are the requirements?

Which countries are most difficult for Nigerian passport holders to get visas for and why?

Can Nigerian passport holders transit through major international hubs without a visa?

Explore More Passport Rankings