Nigeria’s passport has plunged to 181st position out of 196 countries in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index, with visa-free access reportedly dropping from 44 destinations to 24.
According to data published by IziVisa and reported by multiple Nigerian media outlets on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Nigerian passport holders can enter 24 countries without obtaining a visa in advance. Another 16 destinations offer visas on arrival, while 43 allow electronic visa applications.
The latest ranking represents a significant decline from the 90th position Nigeria reportedly occupied in July 2026 under the comparison cited in the report.
However, the figures require context. The Henley Passport Index, which uses a different methodology and covers a different set of destinations, ranked Nigeria 90th in July 2026, with access to 44 destinations without a prior visa. The two indices are not directly comparable.
The United Arab Emirates topped the latest IziVisa ranking, highlighting the wide gap in international travel access between the world’s strongest passports and those with more limited mobility.
A weaker passport ranking can mean additional visa applications, higher travel costs and more paperwork for Nigerians planning trips abroad. Travellers are advised to confirm entry requirements with the relevant embassies before making travel arrangements.