By Magoh Clara
Nigeria’s passport has fallen to 181st position out of 196 countries in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index, according to reports published on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
The report stated that Nigerian passport holders can travel to 24 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance, while access to other destinations requires additional visa arrangements.
The latest position represents a significant decline from the 90th position reportedly recorded in the July 2026 edition of the index.
According to the published figures, Nigerian passport holders can also access 16 destinations through visas on arrival and 43 through electronic visas.
The reported decline in visa-free access could mean additional paperwork, costs and travel planning for Nigerians travelling abroad for education, business, tourism and other purposes.
Visa-free travel allows eligible visitors to enter a destination without securing a visa beforehand, although other entry requirements may still apply. A visa on arrival is obtained after reaching the destination, while an electronic visa is applied for online.
Passport rankings generally assess the travel access available to holders of a country’s passport, although the results can vary depending on the index and its methodology.
The ranking cited in this report is the IziVisa Passport Ranking Index and should not be confused with the Henley Passport Index, which uses a different methodology.
The reported decline highlights the importance of checking visa requirements before travelling, as entry rules and bilateral arrangements can change.
However, the ranking and destination figures should be attributed specifically to IziVisa rather than presented as a universal measure of Nigeria’s passport strength.
