Nigerian passport holders face significant travel restrictions despite having 45 countries they can visit without a visa, according to a report by Henley and Partners. The list, presented by Business Insider Africa, highlights the mobility divide between African nations and their European and North American counterparts.

The challenges faced by Nigerian travelers were recently exemplified by Alma Asinobi, who attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the Fastest Time to Visit All Seven Continents. Despite her determination, visa restrictions, delays, and last-minute cancellations prevented her from completing the challenge. Her experience is not unique, as many Africans, particularly Nigerians, face similar obstacles when traveling for work, study, or leisure.

Visa rejections are common, often based on nationality rather than individual merit. In 2023, African applicants submitted fewer Schengen visa applications than their Asian counterparts, yet faced rejection rates that were 14 percentage points higher. Six of the ten countries with the highest Schengen visa rejection rates are in Africa.

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.

The list of 45 countries includes Barbados, Cote d'Ivoire, Kiribati, Niger, Benin, Djibouti, Lebanon, Niue, Burkina Faso, Dominica, Liberia, Palau Islands, Burundi, Fiji, Madagascar, Rwanda, Cambodia, Ghana, Maldives, Samoa, Cameroon, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Cape Verde Islands, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, Seychelles, Chad, Haiti, Micronesia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Togo, Montserrat, Somalia, Comoro Islands, Iran, Vanuatu, St. Kitts and Nevis, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Mozambique, Cook Islands, Kenya, and Niger.

The mobility divide is a stark reminder of passport privilege and global travel inequality. 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. This inequality has significant implications for business, education, and tourism, hindering the free flow of people, ideas, and resources.

In conclusion, the challenges faced by Nigerian travelers highlight the need for a more equitable and streamlined visa process. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is essential to address the mobility divide and promote global mobility for all.