Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update released by VisaIndex, marking a gradual improvement in global mobility for Nigerian citizens.
The update shows that 27 of these destinations offer full visa-free entry, while others allow Nigerians to enter through visa-on-arrival arrangements or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) systems, depending on each country’s immigration policy.
The development is expected to ease international travel, reduce administrative hurdles, and expand opportunities for tourism, business, education, and family visits.
Among African countries granting visa-free or simplified access to Nigerians are Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), The Gambia, Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya.
Outside Africa, destinations accessible to Nigerians include Haiti, Barbados, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Kiribati, Micronesia, Montserrat, Vanuatu, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, among others.
Several African countries have recently adopted open-border policies to boost regional integration and economic cooperation.
Kenya announced in October 2023 that it would abolish visa requirements for all African travellers, while Rwanda introduced visa-free entry for Africans in November 2023.
Ghana has also joined the list of countries opening their borders to African nationals in a move aimed at strengthening tourism and trade.
Benin and The Gambia have operated visa-free regimes for African travellers since 2019, policies credited with boosting tourism and cross-border commerce.
The expanded access comes amid tightening visa policies in some countries.
The United States recently introduced a $15,000 visa bond requirement for Nigerians and others, citing security concerns, while also imposing visa restrictions on individuals accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria.
Despite these challenges, analysts say the increase in visa-free and simplified travel options reflects slow but steady progress in Nigeria’s international travel standing and offers citizens greater freedom of movement across regions.
While entry requirements still vary by destination, the latest VisaIndex update underscores expanding opportunities for Nigerians to travel with fewer procedural barriers.