Namibian passport ranking improves, but visa-free travel remains unchanged
Namibia has climbed four places on the Henley & Partners passport ranking over the past year, moving from 65th spot in 2024 to 61st in 2025.
However, the number of countries Namibians can visit without a visa remains unchanged at 80.
This follows a decline from 62nd place in 2023 to 65th in 2024.
Since the 2024 ranking, the home affairs ministry has applied the principle of reciprocity to visa regulations. This means that citizens of countries that do not grant Namibians visa exemptions will also not be exempted from Namibia’s visa requirements when visiting the country. So far, no countries affected by this principle have adjusted their visa requirements for Namibians.
Namibia remains a few steps behind its initial ranking of 56th place when it debuted on the Henley list in 2006. The Namibian passport reached its highest positions on the ranking in 2007, 2008 and 2009, when it was ranked 55th. Its lowest position was in 2021, when it dropped to 73rd place.
Neighbouring countries
South Africa has jumped from 53rd to 48th place in the ranking, but its citizens can now visit four fewer countries without a visa compared to a year ago.
Botswana’s passport climbed one spot to 58th place on the Henley ranking, though its citizens can now visit five fewer countries visa-free.
Angolan passport holders can now travel to four more countries without a visa, but the country's ranking remains unchanged at 88th place.
Seychelles currently holds the strongest African passport, allowing visa-free travel to 156 countries. It shares 22nd place with St Vincent and the Grenadines as well as Uruguay.
Best and worst
Currently, Singapore holds the top position alone, though its citizens can now visit one fewer country without a visa. However, this does not include Namibia, as Singapore continues to allow visa-free visits for Namibians.
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore and Spain jointly held the top spot on last year’s ranking, with their citizens able to visit 194 countries visa-free.
Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan and Somalia remain at the bottom of the Henley ranking, with Afghanistan still in last place. However, Afghan passport holders can now visit three more countries visa-free compared to last year.
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However, the number of countries Namibians can visit without a visa remains unchanged at 80.
This follows a decline from 62nd place in 2023 to 65th in 2024.
Since the 2024 ranking, the home affairs ministry has applied the principle of reciprocity to visa regulations. This means that citizens of countries that do not grant Namibians visa exemptions will also not be exempted from Namibia’s visa requirements when visiting the country. So far, no countries affected by this principle have adjusted their visa requirements for Namibians.
Namibia remains a few steps behind its initial ranking of 56th place when it debuted on the Henley list in 2006. The Namibian passport reached its highest positions on the ranking in 2007, 2008 and 2009, when it was ranked 55th. Its lowest position was in 2021, when it dropped to 73rd place.
Neighbouring countries
South Africa has jumped from 53rd to 48th place in the ranking, but its citizens can now visit four fewer countries without a visa compared to a year ago.
Botswana’s passport climbed one spot to 58th place on the Henley ranking, though its citizens can now visit five fewer countries visa-free.
Angolan passport holders can now travel to four more countries without a visa, but the country's ranking remains unchanged at 88th place.
Seychelles currently holds the strongest African passport, allowing visa-free travel to 156 countries. It shares 22nd place with St Vincent and the Grenadines as well as Uruguay.
Best and worst
Currently, Singapore holds the top position alone, though its citizens can now visit one fewer country without a visa. However, this does not include Namibia, as Singapore continues to allow visa-free visits for Namibians.
France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore and Spain jointly held the top spot on last year’s ranking, with their citizens able to visit 194 countries visa-free.
Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan and Somalia remain at the bottom of the Henley ranking, with Afghanistan still in last place. However, Afghan passport holders can now visit three more countries visa-free compared to last year.
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