Nigeria’s passport has dropped to 181st position out of 196 countries in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index, with the number of destinations Nigerian passport holders can visit without obtaining a visa in advance reportedly falling from 44 to 24.
The October 2026 assessment highlights the travel restrictions faced by Nigerians seeking to visit destinations abroad for tourism, business, education and other short-term purposes.
The latest figures show that Nigerian passport holders can enter 24 destinations visa-free, obtain visas on arrival in 16 destinations and apply for electronic visas for another 43 destinations.
The assessment marks a significant difference from the July 2026 ranking, when Nigeria was placed 90th in the Henley Passport Index, with access to 44 destinations without a prior visa.
However, the two rankings use different methodologies and should not be interpreted as a direct, like-for-like measurement of a sudden change in visa policies.
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1. Nigeria’s passport falls to 181st position
The latest IziVisa ranking places Nigeria among the lower-ranked countries for international travel access.
According to the index, Nigeria has 24 visa-free destinations, 16 destinations offering visas on arrival and 43 destinations accessible through electronic visas.
The figures are published in IziVisa’s 2026 African passport ranking report, which assesses short-stay tourist entry requirements across 198 destinations.
The platform says its assessment draws on a database of visa policies, initially compiled from publicly available country information and checked against official sources where necessary.
Nigeria’s position illustrates the limited number of destinations its citizens can access without arranging travel permission in advance.
The ranking also highlights the difference between passports that offer extensive international mobility and those whose holders face additional administrative requirements before travelling.
2. Visa-free access reportedly drops from 44 destinations to 24
One of the most striking figures in the latest report is the reduction in Nigeria’s reported visa-free access from 44 destinations in July to 24 in the October IziVisa assessment.
That represents a difference of 20 destinations.
However, this does not necessarily mean that 20 countries introduced new visa restrictions against Nigerians during that period. The July figure was reported under the Henley Passport Index, while the latest figure comes from IziVisa, which uses a different database, destination coverage and ranking methodology.
The distinction matters because passport rankings can count entry arrangements differently. Some include destinations where travellers can obtain visas on arrival, while others distinguish those arrangements from strictly visa-free entry.
Travellers should therefore check the actual immigration rules for their intended destination rather than relying on a ranking position alone.
3. Countries where Nigerians may face additional entry requirements
The report identifies several destinations where Nigerian travellers may need to meet visa, arrival-permit or electronic authorisation requirements.
These include Burundi, the Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Cambodia, Iran, Lebanon, the Maldives, Timor-Leste, Niue and Tuvalu.
Other destinations mentioned include Kenya, which uses an electronic travel authorisation system, and Suriname, where entry arrangements may involve an electronic application or fee.
Kiribati and the Cook Islands are also included among destinations with particular entry arrangements.
However, these destinations should not all be described as countries that have newly withdrawn visa-free access. The precise requirements differ by destination, and some may still offer visas on arrival or other simplified entry procedures.
For example, an electronic travel authorisation is not always the same as a traditional visa. It may require travellers to submit personal and travel information online and receive approval before boarding.
Likewise, a visa on arrival may be available only to travellers who meet specific conditions, including passport-validity rules, proof of accommodation, return tickets or evidence of sufficient funds.
Nigerians planning trips should verify the current requirements through the destination country’s official immigration website or embassy before paying for flights and accommodation.
4. Henley Passport Index places Nigeria higher
The IziVisa assessment differs considerably from the Henley Passport Index.
In July 2026, Henley placed Nigeria 90th globally, with access to 44 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance. A later October report placed Nigeria 92nd, with access to 45 destinations under Henley’s methodology.
The country improved from 94th position in 2025 to 92nd in 2026.
The difference between the rankings does not automatically establish that one is incorrect. Their calculations and data coverage differ, meaning the results should be understood within the context of each index.
The latest IziVisa assessment also considers electronic visas separately, listing 43 destinations where Nigerians can apply through an e-visa process.
These online systems may make travel applications more convenient, but an e-visa generally still requires an application and approval before departure.
5. What the ranking means for Nigerian travellers
For Nigerians travelling for holidays, business meetings, family visits or other short-term purposes, the latest figures are a reminder to confirm entry rules before making commitments.
A destination that offers visa-free entry to one nationality may require a visa or electronic authorisation from another. Requirements can also change, sometimes with little notice.
Travellers should check whether their destination requires an advance visa, an electronic travel authorisation, a visa on arrival or a separate entry permit. They should also confirm passport-validity requirements, permitted length of stay and any supporting documents.
Those travelling for employment, study or permanent relocation should be particularly careful. Visa-free or short-stay access does not automatically grant permission to work, study or reside permanently in another country.
For now, the IziVisa ranking places Nigeria 181st out of 196 countries, with 24 destinations listed as visa-free. While the figures highlight the challenges facing Nigerian passport holders, the reported difference from Henley’s ranking must be understood in light of the two indices’ separate methodologies.
Ultimately, the entry requirements set by each destination’s immigration authorities—not a passport ranking alone—determine whether a Nigerian traveller needs a visa or other authorisation.
