23/07/2025
IN PICTURE
The list below shows Africa’s weakest 10 passports starting from the bottom as Zambia 🇿🇲 ranks 71st with 67 countries and territories that Zambian passport holders can travel to without obtaining a visa in advance
1. Somalia
2. Libya
3. Eritrea
4. Sudan
5. South Sudan/DR Congo
6. Nigeria/Ethiopia
7. Djibouti
8. Congo Rep/Burundi/Angola
9. Egypt/Cameroon
10. Liberia/Central African Republic
Zambia’s passport offers moderate travel flexibility, granting access to several African nations, as well as select countries in Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe.
However, key travel destinations particularly in North America, Western Europe, and parts of Asia-Pacific still require prior visa applications.
With top-tier passports like those of Singapore, France, and Germany offering visa-free access to nearly 195 countries, Zambia’s current position reflects its progress but also highlights the room for diplomatic opportunities.
Experts note that Zambia could significantly improve its passport ranking by forging bilateral visa-free agreements with countries in Europe, North America, and fast-growing Asian economies.
“Passport strength is not just a symbol of national pride, it’s a powerful tool that opens doors for trade, investment, education, and tourism,” said a Lusaka-based global mobility analyst. “Strengthening Zambia’s passport would directly enhance economic and diplomatic opportunities.”
Improving the Zambian passport isn’t only about convenience at immigration counters it’s a strategic move. A stronger passport could accelerate cross-border business, support regional tourism development, and enable more Zambians to access education and professional opportunities abroad.
The Henley Passport Index, which ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can enter without a prior visa, is widely regarded as the global standard for passport power and mobility trends.
As Zambia continues to strengthen its global ties, mobility experts say the nation has ample opportunity to climb the rankings unlocking not just borders, but possibilities.
©️ Henley Passport Index 2025.
