(NAIROBI) – Kenya continues to hold the most powerful passport in East Africa in 2025, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks countries by the number of destinations their citizens can enter without a visa or with visa on arrival access. Kenya is now ranked 69th globally, offering its citizens access to 71 countries without the need for a pre-arranged visa.
The ranking places Kenya ahead of all other East African Community (EAC) member states, including South Sudan, which remains among the lowest ranked globally. South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are tied at 90th place, with visa free or visa on arrival access to only 43 destinations. In comparison, Uganda is ranked 71st with access to 67 destinations, Tanzania 70th with 70 destinations, Rwanda 73rd with 63 destinations and Burundi 86th with 48 destinations.
Somalia ranks lowest in the region at 96th place, with only 32 visa free destinations.
Regional Overview (2025 Henley Passport Index)
| Country | Global Rank | Visa Free/Visa on Arrival Access |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 69 | 71 destinations |
| Tanzania | 70 | 70 destinations |
| Uganda | 71 | 67 destinations |
| Rwanda | 73 | 63 destinations |
| Burundi | 86 | 48 destinations |
| South Sudan | 90 | 43 destinations |
| DR Congo | 90 | 43 destinations |
| Somalia | 96 | 32 destinations |
The Henley Index report notes that despite Kenya’s regional dominance, its global ranking has slightly declined from 67th in 2024 to 69th in 2025. The number of destinations accessible to Kenyan passport holders also fell from 76 to 71. This marks a reversal of the gains made in 2024 when Kenya jumped six positions from 73rd in 2023.
South Sudan’s position remains unchanged, underscoring the limited global mobility for its citizens due to international travel restrictions and visa barriers.
Across the African continent, Kenya’s passport is ranked eighth strongest, trailing Seychelles, Mauritius, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Malawi. Seychelles holds the top spot in Africa and is ranked 25th globally with visa-free access to 156 destinations. Mauritius follows closely at 29th with 151 destinations, while South Africa stands at 48th with 106 destinations.
Top African Passports (2025)
| Country | Global Rank | Visa-Free Access |
|---|---|---|
| Seychelles | 25 | 156 |
| Mauritius | 29 | 151 |
| South Africa | 48 | 106 |
| Kenya | 69 | 71 |
Singapore retains the number one global position with access to 193 destinations out of a possible 227, making its passport the most powerful in the world in 2025.
Kenyan passport holders benefit from visa free travel across all EAC countries, including South Sudan. They also enjoy relaxed entry requirements in parts of Southern Africa such as South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, Madagascar and Namibia. In return, Kenya allows visa free entry to citizens of over 40 countries, most of whom can stay for up to 90 days. However, South African and Malaysian nationals are limited to a maximum of 30 days.
In a move expected to boost regional and intra-African mobility, Kenya recently removed the need for visas and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system for all African and Caribbean nationals. This is anticipated to further improve Kenya’s position on future editions of the Henley Index.
For South Sudan, the passport’s low ranking highlights ongoing challenges in global mobility and diplomatic relations.