For Kenyan citizens, the latest findings from the Henley Passport Index bring a slight dip in travel freedom. This year, the Kenyan passport has moved two places down, landing at position 69 globally, a decline from its 67th spot in the previous year's rankings. This shift has prompted discussions among travelers, policymakers, and those keen on Kenya's standing on the international stage.
The Henley Passport Index, compiled by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley and Partners, meticulously evaluates 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access either visa-free or with a visa on arrival. This methodology provides a comprehensive snapshot of global mobility. In the 2025 assessment, Kenya finds itself in a shared position with Gambia, both countries offering their passport holders visa-free access to 71 nations.
While the global ranking shows a slight setback, it's crucial to contextualize Kenya's performance within the broader African landscape. On the continent, Kenya and Gambia collectively hold the 10th strongest passport. Leading the pack in Africa is the Seychelles passport, which boasts an impressive global ranking of 24, granting access to 156 destinations visa-free. It's followed by Mauritius (27th globally, 149 destinations) and South Africa (48th globally, 103 destinations), showcasing significant travel freedom for their citizens. Other African nations with stronger passports than Kenya this year include Botswana (59th globally), Namibia (63), Lesotho (65), Eswatini (66), Malawi (67), and Morocco (67). At the other end of the spectrum, Somalia holds the weakest passport on the continent, with access to just 32 destinations.
In 2021, the Kenyan passport hit its lowest point in two decades, ranking 77th. It then saw a positive climb to 71st in 2022 before experiencing a minor slip to 73rd in 2023. The current drop to 69th signals a need for strategic attention to visa agreements and diplomatic efforts that could enhance global mobility for Kenyans.
Globally, the hierarchy of passport strength highlights the prevailing travel dynamics. The Singaporean passport continues its reign as the world's strongest, granting its holders access to an astounding 193 destinations visa-free. It's closely trailed by Japan and South Korea (190 destinations). European powerhouses like Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain jointly secure the third position (189 destinations), while Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden follow closely at fourth (188 destinations). The UK passport holds a respectable sixth position with access to 186 destinations.
