Kenya continued to shine in the latest global passport ranking released by Visalist, an international visa ranking site, in June 2023.
The country made it to the top 100 in global ranking beating first-world countries like China and India while maintaining its spot as the most powerful passport in East Africa
Additionally, on the sheer strength of the passport, Kenyans can travel visa-free to 43 countries and apply for a visa upon arrival in 22 countries.
Kenya was ranked position 98 in global standing tying with Suriname and one place above global powerhouses China and Thailand at position 99. India was ranked position 111 globally.
According to Visalist, while Kenyans can visit 43 countries without a visa, Chinese citizens can only do so in 33 countries.
Chinese citizens also need to apply for a visa on arrival in 33 countries. China beat Kenya on only one indicator of passport strength whereby 132 countries require visas before Chinese citizens travel while Kenyans are required to do so in 138 countries.
Global passport ranking of other East African countries was; Tanzania (101), Uganda (108), Rwanda (120), South Sudan (137), Burundi (137) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (141).
Benefits of a strong passport ranking
According to Visalist, a strong passport enables citizens to enjoy more travel freedom, business opportunities, education opportunities, employment opportunities as well as more cultural experiences.
“Holders of a strong passport have the freedom to travel to a wide range of countries without the hassle of obtaining visas and also open up a world of business opportunities for its holder,” the organisation states.
Holders of a strong passport have an easier time pursuing education and employment opportunities in other countries as well as allowing its holder to explore new cultures and experiences due to increased travelling.
Factors that affect passport ranking
A passport can gain or lose strength due to visa requirements, diplomatic relations, security risks and economic factors.
“Countries with strong diplomatic relations have higher-ranked passports while those with poor relations tend to have lower-ranked passports,” Visalist explains.
According to Visalist, countries with high-security risks such as those with high rates of terrorism or political instability have lower-ranked passports.
“Countries with strong economies have higher-ranked passports, as they are seen as less likely to have citizens who will overstay their visas or engage in illegal activities while travelling,” the ranking body adds.
