Kenyan Passport Soars 6 Places in 2024 Henley & Partners Ranking

Kenya’s passport power increased significantly in 2024, climbing six spots to rank 67th globally, according to the latest Henley & Partners report. This is a notable improvement from its 73rd position in 2023, reflecting expanded international mobility for Kenyan citizens.

Understanding the Henley and Partners Ranking

The 2024 Henley Passport Index, a primary authority on global travel freedom, ranks the Kenyan passport alongside Malawi’s at 67th place. Holders of these passports can now enter 76 destinations without a prior visa.

Regionally, Kenya maintains a lead over its East African neighbours. In the same index, Tanzania ranks 69th, Uganda 73rd, and Rwanda 76th.

The Dynamics of Global Passport Power

The 2024 rankings feature an unprecedented six-way tie for the world's most powerful passport. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain share the 1st position, granting access to 194 visa-free destinations. This shift marks a recovery in European mobility, as Japan and Singapore previously held the top spot alone for five years.

Other top-tier rankings include:

• 2nd Place: Finland, South Korea, and Sweden (193 destinations).
• 3rd Place: Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands (192 destinations).
• 4th Place: Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, and the UK (191 destinations).
• 5th Place: Greece, Malta, and Switzerland (190 destinations).

Australia and New Zealand rose to 6th place, joining Czechia and Poland. Meanwhile, the United States and Canada are tied for 7th with Hungary, offering access to 188 destinations.

The Henley Passport Index has monitored global travel trends for 19 years, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to rank 199 passports against 227 possible travel destinations.