Kenya's passport slips to 120th in global ranking

The latest ranking assessed 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a Visa in advance, through Visa on arrival or using an electronic travel authorisation.

Kenya recorded a mobility score of 75, with Kenyan passport holders able to travel to 37 countries without a Visa while another 33 destinations offer Visa on arrival and five require an electronic travel authorisation. 

A total of 123 destinations require Kenyan passport holders to obtain a Visa before travelling.

Botswana ranked 110th, Morocco 111th, Lesotho 113th, Namibia 115th, Eswatini 116th and Malawi 119th.

Kenya's passport outperformed its neighbouring countries, with Tanzania ranked 122nd globally and Uganda 131st. 

Tanzania recorded a mobility score of 72, with access to 43 Visa-free destinations, 25 countries offering Visa on arrival and four requiring an electronic travel authorisation. 

Uganda had a mobility score of 69, with 35 Visa-free destinations, 29 offering Visa on arrival and five requiring an electronic travel authorisation.

Passport Reports ranks passports using a Mobility Score, which represents the total number of destinations that can be accessed Visa-free, with a Visa on arrival or through an electronic travel authorisation. 

The latest figures show Kenya's gradual drop in ranking in the past six years. In 2020, Kenya was ranked 100th globally before falling 17 places to 117th in 2021. 

In 2022, Kenya's passport fell to 121 before rising to position 117 and 113 in the subsequent years. In 2025, Kenya's ranking moved up to position 109 before dropping to the current 120th slot. 

Why Passport Rankings Matter

For travellers, passport rankings broadly indicate the level of immigration requirements they may face when travelling internationally. 

Holders of stronger passports often have simplified entry access and hence reduce the need for advance applications, while travellers using passports with lower rankings signify more restricted access, meaning they may have to provide documents, pay visa fees and wait for approval before travelling to certain destinations. 

The ranking therefore provides a measure of the ease with which passport holders can access international destinations, although entry requirements can vary by country and may change during the year.