The Henley Passport Index recently published its annual ranking of the world's most powerful passports for 2024, based on data from the International Air Transport Association.
Morocco's passport stands out in North Africa, topping the regional list. Ranked 68th globally, it grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 72 countries. This represents a 12-place climb compared to the previous year. Moroccans can now visit Thailand, Cape Verde, and Azerbaijan without visas, indicating improved international mobility.
Tunisia follows in second place regionally, ranked 71st globally with access to 69 countries. Mauritania is third (83rd globally, 57 countries), Algeria fourth (84th globally, 55 countries), and Libya last (98th globally, 39 countries).
Africa's passport landscape
Mauritius leads Africa, ranked 28th globally with access to 150 countries. South Africa (47th, 106 countries), Botswana (56th, 88 countries), and Namibia (61st, 81 countries) follow. While Morocco surpasses countries like Tanzania (74th) and Zambia (75th), it trails nations such as Namibia, Seychelles (64th, 75 countries), and Gabon (67th, 72 countries). This highlights the continent's varying levels of travel freedom.
Singapore holds the top spot globally, with access to 195 countries. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain share second place (192 countries). The United States ranks eighth (186 countries).
At the other end, Pakistan and Yemen share 100th place (33 countries), while Iraq (101st, 31 countries), Syria (102nd, 28 countries), and Afghanistan (103rd, 26 countries) have the least powerful passports.