Nigeria loses visa-free access to 20 countries as passport ranking drops

Nigeria loses visa-free access to 20 countries as passport ranking drops

Nigeria’s passport has taken another hit on the worldwide degree, plunging to 181 out of 196 countries.

This marks a pointy plunge from its ninetieth position recorded in mid-2026.

according to the modern IziVisa Passport ranking Index, Nigeria’s visa-free get admission to dropped from 44 destinations in July 2026 to just 24.

this means Nigerian passport holders have lost easy entry to approximately 20 destinations that have been formerly greater available.

many of the countries affected or reclassified (now requiring visas, visas on arrival beneath stricter situations, or electronic procedures) are popular travel locations for many Nigerians.

Nigerians now need visa to journey to countries inclusive of Burundi, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles (vacationer’s permit on arrival), Tanzania, Uganda, Cambodia, Iran, Lebanon, Maldives, Timor-Leste, Niue (entry permit on arrival), Tuvalu.

Others are international locations that require digital travel authorizations (ETAs) and unique clearance. those consist of: Kenya (electronic tour authorization), Suriname (access charge/e-visa clearance), Kiribati, prepare dinner Islands.

under the brand new ranking, Nigerians can nevertheless input 24 international locations completely visa-loose, get visas on arrival in 16 nations, and get right of entry to 43 locations through e-visas.

The more broadly regarded Henley Passport Index nonetheless places Nigeria plenty better (around 90th–92nd) with access to roughly forty four–45 locations.

the 2 indexes use unique methodologies, so the numbers are not without delay comparable.

nevertheless, the IziVisa figures spotlight developing regulations and reduced mobility for Nigerian travellers.