According to the Henley Passport Index, published by the London-based advisory firm Henley & Partners, the island nation now ranks 28th worldwide, up from 29th in the previous year.
The ranking evaluates 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, using data from the International Air Transport Association and Henley’s own research.
The archipelago nation of Seychelles continues to dominate Africa’s passport power table, ahead of Mauritius, which sits 31st globally, and South Africa, ranked 51st worldwide.
Globally, Asian passports remain the strongest, with Japan and Singapore sharing the top position, allowing their citizens to travel to 192 destinations without obtaining a visa in advance.
At the opposite end of the ranking is Afghanistan, whose passport holders can access just 26 countries visa-free.
Officials in Seychelles say diplomatic engagement continues to play a central role in expanding the country’s travel reach.
Diplomatic Efforts Expand Visa-Free Travel
Jacques Belle, director general for protocol, consular, and diaspora affairs at the country’s foreign affairs department, said the government is negotiating additional visa-waiver agreements with strategic partners.
“Being a visa-free destination, we would like other countries to reciprocate this, so that when Seychellois go to these countries, they do not face certain restrictions,” Belle said, noting that several negotiations are already underway.
Seychelles operates one of the world’s most open border policies. Travellers from any country can enter the 115 island archipelago without applying for a visa beforehand and receive a visitor’s permit upon arrival.
However, officials say expanding visa-free access for Seychellois citizens often depends on meeting evolving international security standards. The government recently signed an agreement with IN Groupe to introduce biometric passports, a feature many countries now require before granting visa waivers.
Belle acknowledged that global travel disruptions during the COVID-19 period complicated diplomatic discussions, but stressed that expanding mobility remains a national priority.
“Despite the challenges, we still need to work on obtaining visa waivers because it is to the advantage of the people,” he said.
For Seychelles, the latest ranking reinforces its status as Africa’s mobility leader while highlighting the persistent gap between the world’s most and least powerful passports.
