A photo of a Ghanaian passport
The Henley Global Mobility Report 2026 has revealed that even though the Ghanaian passport has achieved notable improvements in access, it still remains in the lower half of global rankings – far behind European, Asian and some countries in the Middle East.
The report maintained that issues of shorter visa validities, heavier documentation burdens, heightened scrutiny and materially higher rejection risks still persist.
According to the report, these mar the experience of Ghanaian travellers and impede mobility.
It noted that while outbound ambitions from the continent are soaring – driven by trade, education and global business – inbound openness from major economies continues to tighten, maintaining that recent EU visa reforms featuring higher fees, longer processing, and deeper surveillance disproportionately target African nationals.
Eurostat data shows Schengen visa rejection rates for Africans have climbed to 26.6 percent.
Marking its 20th anniversary, Henley Passport Index 2026 painted a relatable picture of a world having divergent realities: one with unprecedented mobility for a privileged few and another with insurmountable barriers for many.
According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, Singapore retained its 1st position – offering access to 192 destinations visa-free while Afghanistan’s passport continues to carry the table, offering access to only 24.
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Seychelles has the best passport in Africa – offering 154 visa-free destinations. It ranks 24th in the Index, followed by Mauritius – offering 147 visa-free destinations and ranking 27th.
South Africa is the closest, offering 101 visa-free destinations. However, it ranks 48th in the Henley Passport Index 2026.
Ghana has been ranked 69th, offering access to 68 destinations visa-free. The Global Mobility Report 2026 acknowledged the expansions in visa-free and visa-on-arrival access championed by the Foreign Ministry, saying this reflects enhanced diplomatic capital and an active role in multilateral forums.
The report attributed these gains to effective diplomatic engagements and the country’s growing credibility as a beacon of democracy and a stable economy. It commended government for the nation’s diplomatic strides and said this should continue, arguing that “progress does not equate to parity”.
However, it argued realism demands recognition of structural limitations – maintaining that in a fragmented landscape like this, “optionality is power. Global mobility can no longer rely on a single passport,” the report stated, saying the question for active business leaders should not be “Can I travel?” but “How resilient is my access?”
It stated that second citizenships and alternative residencies are increasingly being viewed not as status symbols but tools for business continuity, gateways to critical services and buffers against geopolitical volatility.
It admonished African countries, including Ghana, to continue the relentless diplomatic work of improving passport access – while simultaneously acknowledging that for its globally-minded citizens and business leaders, mobility planning must become a deliberate, proactive strategy.
The US, having briefly dropped out of the Top 10 in late 2025, has clawed back to 10th place in the Henley Passport Index 2026. However, the UK recorded one of the steepest annual losses this year.
In contrast, the UAE emerged the index’s star performer over 20 years, soaring 57 places to 5th through sustained diplomatic outreach.
China has also risen 28 places in a decade, increasing its score to 141 visa-free destinations while strategically increasing its inbound openness – now allowing more nationalities visa-free entry than the US.
The Henley Passport Index compares the visa-free access of 199 different passports to 227 travel destinations.
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com
