Singapore now has the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 195 out of 227 destinations worldwide, according to Henley & Partners’ October 2024 ranking.

That puts it ahead of second-place Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain (192 destinations each), and third-place Denmark, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden (191 each).

The UK passport ranks fourth, tied with Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland – all offering visa-free entry to 190 countries. The US is not mentioned in this top tier, but the trend is clear: European and Asian passports continue gaining strength.

Now, the detail that stands out for Africa:

Singapore passport holders can enter 13 African countries without a prior visa – but Nigeria is not one of them. The list includes:

Botswana, Cape Verde, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

As Henley’s private clients head notes, “the trend towards increased openness continues” – but unevenly. Passport power is diplomatic trust translated into mobility. On paper, it’s a ranking. In real life, it’s skipping consulate lines, making last-minute trips, and moving freely before anyone asks you to explain yourself.

So while Singaporeans walk into 195 countries, millions of others – including Nigerians – still face a very different travel reality.