While a handful of African countries rank among the strongest passports in Africa, giving their citizens greater freedom to travel, many others continue to face tight restrictions. According to the Henley Passport Index, the weakest passports in Africa offer limited visa-free and visa-on-arrival access, significantly restricting the mobility of their citizens. These rankings are often shaped by factors such as political instability, regional conflicts, and limited diplomatic relationships.
According to the latest rankings, Somalia holds the position of the weakest passport in Africa, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 33 countries. Close behind are Libya and Eritrea, each allowing entry to only 39 destinations, followed by Sudan (41) and a tie between South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (43). These countries face significant travel restrictions, reflecting ongoing political instability, limited diplomatic ties, and security concerns that make international mobility particularly challenging for their citizens.
Top 10 Weakest Passports in Africa (2026)
1. Somalia
Visa Free Access: 33 countries
Somalia has the weakest passport in Africa, offering access to just 33 countries without a prior visa. Decades of political instability, ongoing conflict, and limited international recognition contribute to its low travel freedom. For Somali citizens, international travel often requires complex visa applications and extended processing times.
2. Libya and Eritrea
Visa Free Access: 39 countries
Libya and Eritrea tie for the second weakest passports on the continent, with access to only 39 destinations each. Libya’s travel restrictions stem from ongoing internal conflict and security concerns, while Eritrea’s tight government controls and limited diplomatic engagement hinder international mobility.
3. Sudan
Visa Free Access: 41 countries
Sudan’s passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 41 countries, ranking it third among the continent’s weakest. While the nation has made progress in some diplomatic areas, political unrest and sanctions continue to restrict its citizens’ travel options.
4. South Sudan and Congo (Dem. Rep.)
Visa Free Access: 43 countries
Both South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo share the fourth position, offering access to 43 destinations*. These countries face challenges such as political instability, regional conflicts, and limited bilateral agreements, all of which restrict global travel.
5. Nigeria and Ethiopia
Visa Free Access: 44 countries
Nigeria and Ethiopia follow closely, with visa-free access to 44 countries. While both nations play important roles in African politics and the economy, their passports remain limited in global reach, largely due to security concerns, regional policies, and complex international visa requirements.
6. Djibouti
Visa Free Access: 47 countries
Djibouti’s passport provides access to 47 destinations, reflecting moderate travel freedom. The country benefits from its strategic location and some regional agreements, but overall global mobility is still limited.
7. Congo (Rep.), Cameroon, and Angola
Visa Free Access: 48 countries
These three countries tie for seventh place, granting access to 48 destinations. While regional cooperation helps improve mobility within Africa, restrictions remain significant for travel beyond the continent.
8. Liberia and Burundi
Visa Free Access: 50 countries
Liberia and Burundi offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 50 countries. Political stability, governance issues, and limited diplomatic networks continue to influence their low passport rankings.
9. Egypt and Central African Republic
Visa Free Access: 51 countries
Egypt and the Central African Republic rank ninth, with 51 accessible countries. Egypt, despite being a major economic and cultural hub, faces visa restrictions in parts of Europe and North America, while the Central African Republic remains constrained by ongoing instability.
10. Chad
Visa Free Access: 52 countries
Chad rounds out the list of Africa’s weakest passports, offering access to 52 countries. Security concerns, limited international relations, and regional instability have contributed to its low ranking on the Henley Passport Index.
Top 10 Weakest Passports in Africa (2026)
| Rank | Country | Visa-Free / Visa-On-Arrival Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Somalia | 33 |
| 2 | Libya | 39 |
| 2 | Eritrea | 39 |
| 3 | Sudan | 41 |
| 4 | South Sudan | 43 |
| 4 | Congo (Dem. Rep.) | 43 |
| 5 | Nigeria | 44 |
| 5 | Ethiopia | 44 |
| 6 | Djibouti | 47 |
| 7 | Congo (Rep.) | 48 |
| 7 | Cameroon | 48 |
| 7 | Angola | 48 |
| 8 | Liberia | 50 |
| 8 | Burundi | 50 |
| 9 | Egypt | 51 |
| 9 | Central African Republic | 51 |
| 10 | Chad | 52 |
Source:
The Henley Passport Index
