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

Nigeria’s passport has taken another hit on the global stage, plunging to 181 out of 196 nations. 

This marks a sharp plunge from its 90th position recorded in mid-2026. 

According to the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index, Nigeria’s visa-free access dropped from 44 destinations in July 2026 to just 24. 

This means Nigerian passport holders have lost easy entry to about 20 destinations that were previously more accessible. 
 

Among the countries affected or reclassified (now requiring visas, visas on arrival under stricter conditions, or electronic processes) are popular travel destinations for many Nigerians. 

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

Others are countries that require electronic travel authorizations (ETAs)  and special clearance. These include: Kenya (electronic travel authorization), Suriname (entry fee/e-visa clearance), Kiribati, Cook Islands. 
 

Under the new ranking, Nigerians can still enter 24 countries completely visa-free, get visas on arrival in 16 countries, and access 43 destinations through e-visas. 
 

The more widely recognised Henley Passport Index still places Nigeria much higher (around 90th–92nd) with access to roughly 44–45 destinations. 

The two indexes use different methodologies, so the numbers are not directly comparable. 
 

Still, the IziVisa figures highlight growing restrictions and reduced mobility for Nigerian travellers.