List of countries Nigerians can visit without a visa

For most travellers, visiting multiple continents is a dream that requires months of planning. For Alma Asinobi, it was a race against the clock. On March 15, she set out to break the Guinness World Record for the Fastest Time to Visit All Seven Continents, a title currently held by U.S. Air Force veteran Johnny Cruz Buckingham at 64 hours.

But what started as an attempt to push human limits quickly became a stark reminder of passport privilege and global travel inequality.

Unlike her counterparts from countries with powerful passports, Alma’s journey was filled with obstacles beyond just tight flight schedules. She successfully reached six continents, touching down in King George Island (Antarctica), Chile (South America), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Spain (Europe), Cairo (Africa), and Dubai (Asia).

However, visa restrictions, delays, and last-minute cancellations ultimately prevented her from completing the challenge.

Alma’s struggle is not unique. Many Africans, particularly Nigerians, face even greater challenges when travelling, not for a world record, but simply for work, study, or leisure. Visa rejections are common, often based on nationality rather than individual merit.

In 2023, despite African applicants submitting far fewer Schengen visa applications than their Asian counterparts, they faced rejection rates that were 14 percentage points higher. Six of the ten countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates are in Africa.

While passport holders from wealthier nations can move freely across borders with minimal restrictions, many Africans are subjected to lengthy and often arbitrary visa processes.

The Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on global mobility, reveals this mobility divide. The index covers 199 passports and 227 travel destinations, drawing from World Bank data and other national economic indicators.

While Nigerians have fewer visa-free travel options compared to European or North American passport holders, they can visit 45 countries without needing a visa in advance.