(JUBA) – South Sudan’s passport has recorded a sharp fall in global mobility rankings, dropping from 73rd place in 2024 to 97th in 2025, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. The decline marks a significant setback for the world’s youngest nation, which had shown earlier progress through improved diplomatic relations and regional cooperation.
The 2025 Henley report indicates that South Sudanese citizens can now travel visa free or obtain a visa on arrival in only 43 destinations, compared to 83 destinations the previous year. This represents a loss of access to 40 destinations in just one year, placing South Sudan among the countries with the weakest passports globally.
The drop is believed to be linked to changing visa policies by partner nations, reduced international agreements, and persistent challenges related to security, governance, and institutional capacity within South Sudan.
In 2024, South Sudan’s passport was celebrated as one of the most improved in Africa, ranking 73rd worldwide and 3rd in Africa. That progress has now been reversed, with the country’s global mobility options narrowing significantly.
Regional comparisons show that South Sudan now trails most of its East African neighbours in passport strength.
| Country | Global Rank 2025 | Visa Free or Visa on Arrival Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 73rd | 70 |
| Uganda | 76th | 67 |
| Ethiopia | 96th | 44 |
| South Sudan | 97th | 43 |
| Sudan | 98th | 41 |
On the continent, Seychelles continues to hold Africa’s strongest passport, ranked 26th globally with visa free access to 155 destinations, followed by Mauritius at 29th with access to 148 destinations.
Globally, Singapore remains at the top of the index, granting its citizens visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed closely by South Korea with 190 and Japan with 189. Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland also rank among the world’s most powerful passports.
In an earlier interview on the Around South Sudan podcast, the Director General of Immigration, Nationality and Passports, General Elia Costa, had cautioned that the country’s passport might fall in the global ranking, citing severe funding shortages affecting the department’s operations.
Analysts say South Sudan’s decline reflects deeper challenges in international relations and governance. “Passport strength is not just about travel; it is a measure of global confidence in a country’s stability and cooperation,” said a regional analyst based in Nairobi. “For South Sudan, regaining that confidence will require stronger diplomacy, transparency, and consistent engagement with other nations.”
The government has not issued an official statement responding to the 2025 ranking. However, officials in Juba have in the past expressed intentions to expand bilateral agreements and improve global mobility for South Sudanese citizens.
The Henley Passport Index, which ranks 199 passports, is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and is widely regarded as the most reliable measure of global travel freedom. The index is updated monthly, tracking how international relations, policy changes, and global cooperation affect citizens’ mobility rights.