Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update from Visaindex.
The development significantly eases international travel for Nigerians, providing broader options for tourism, business, education and family visits.
Of the 45 destinations, 27 countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while the remaining operate visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regimes. Entry conditions vary by country, but the update signals an expansion of global mobility opportunities for Nigerians.
Several African nations have adopted open-border policies aimed at boosting regional integration, trade and tourism.
The Gambia – Since 2019, the country has declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travellers, extending the policy to Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and select Baltic states.
Benin – Inspired by Rwanda, Benin lifted visa restrictions for all Africans in 2019, strengthening its position as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa.
Kenya – In October 2023, President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements for all African visitors to enhance trade, tourism and continental connectivity.
Rwanda – Since November 2023, Rwanda has granted visa-free entry to all Africans without fees, reinforcing its reputation as a leading tourism and conference destination.
Ghana – Ghana recently joined the visa-free league for Africans, a move expected to attract investors, tourists and business travellers as it positions itself as a regional hub.
Other Visa-Free Or Easy-Access Destinations
Nigerian passport holders can also access the following countries either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through eTA arrangements:
Barbados
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Chad
Cook Islands
Côte d’Ivoire
Dominica
Fiji
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
Kiribati
Liberia
Mali
Micronesia
Montserrat
Niger
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Togo
Vanuatu