Kenya's Passport Ranking Declines as Visa-Free Travel Opportunities Decrease
The latest updates from the Henley Passport Index reveal a decline in Kenya's passport ranking, which has dropped by one position to 68 in 2025.
This shift indicates that Kenyans now have the ability to travel visa-free to fewer countries compared to the previous year, highlighting a notable change in the country's global standing in terms of passport strength. The Henley Passport Index January 2024 Ranking demonstrated that Kenya's passport previously held the 67th position, underscoring a significant decline in its international travel capacity.
As a result of this drop, holders of a Kenyan passport can now visit only 74 countries worldwide without requiring a visa, a decrease from the 76 countries available last year. This reduction in visa-free access could impact both tourism and business travel for Kenyans. This decline in passport strength occurs at a time when the government, led by President William Ruto, is actively promoting Kenya as an accessible destination for international travelers, aiming to bolster tourism numbers.
During the Jamhuri Day celebrations in 2023, President Ruto announced a significant policy change: starting from January 2024, foreign visitors will no longer need a visa to enter Kenya. Instead, they will be granted an electronic travel authorization, a move designed to simplify the entry process for tourists and enhance Kenya's attractiveness as a travel destination.
The President emphasized that this new visa-free regime is aligned with his administration's objectives to stimulate the growth of tourism and promote borderless commerce, ultimately contributing to the country's economic development.
On the broader African continent, the Seychelles passport remains the strongest, enabling its citizens to travel to 156 countries without needing a visa, placing it at number 25 globally. Following closely, Mauritian passport holders can visit 151 nations visa-free, while South African citizens have access to 106 countries without visa requirements. Other nations with strong passport rankings in the region include Botswana (57 countries), Namibia (81 countries), Lesotho (79 countries), Eswatini (77 countries), and Malawi (75 countries). The varying strengths of these passports highlight the competitive landscape of international travel and the importance of visa agreements for enhancing global mobility.
As Kenya navigates these changes in passport strength and international travel policies, the government's focus on attracting tourists could play a crucial role in shaping the future of its tourism sector and enhancing its global standing.
