Benin currently holds the 13th spot among African countries and ranks 71st worldwide in the latest global passport power index released in July 2025 by Henley & Partners.
This ranking evaluates how freely passport holders can travel, based on the number of countries accessible without a visa or with visa-on-arrival arrangements.
Under the leadership of President Patrice Talon, obtaining a Beninese passport has transformed from a complex challenge into a straightforward process—a development widely recognised as a significant government achievement. The passport now grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 67 countries, a notable feat that reflects positive reforms in travel freedom.
However, the ranking also signals room for improvement. Despite this progress, Benin trails several African peers, including island nations with smaller populations and economies. The Seychelles, for example, tops the continent at 25th worldwide, allowing access to 156 destinations without prior visas. Mauritius, ranked second in Africa and 27th globally, offers entry to 149 countries visa-free.
Other African countries such as South Africa (48th worldwide), Botswana (59th), Namibia (63rd), Kenya and Gambia (both 69th), and Malawi (67th) outperform Benin in terms of travel freedom, highlighting a competitive landscape.
“The position is encouraging but not a call for complacency,” the report suggests. “We need to think more deeply to move up.”
A brief look at the rankings shows the continent’s passport hierarchy:
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Seychelles (25th worldwide) – 156 visa-free destinations
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Mauritius (27th) – 149 destinations
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South Africa (48th) – 103 destinations
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Botswana (59th) – 85 destinations
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Namibia (63rd) – 79 destinations
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Benin (71st) – 67 destinations
The rankings demonstrate that although Benin has made strides in passport strength, there remains significant potential to elevate its position among African nations, unlocking greater international mobility for its citizens.
As travel freedom becomes an increasingly important marker of global integration and opportunity, Benin’s challenge will be to sustain and expand on recent gains, aiming higher than the current 13th place in Africa.
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