Without a doubt, owning a mobile passport is one of the most crucial assets in our society. With the boom in digitalization and cross-border relations, holding a mobile passport would open up a world of endless opportunities and freedom. The importance of a country’s passport goes beyond its symbolic worth. There is a casual relationship between a mobile passport and the ability to travel, economic potential, increased trade, and foreign investments in the country. As a result, most people strive and plan to become holders of one of the strongest passports in Africa and beyond.
Although different countries score their passports differently, the importance of having a good passport cannot be underestimated. A strong passport affords citizens a wide range of options for where to travel, work, study, and experience the globe at greater ease.
A certain perspective reveals that citizens of the rich nations in Africa have limited economic mobility due to the weak power of their passports. Nevertheless, several African countries hold remarkable passport strength and economic mobility.
You should keep in mind that although mobility is an essential factor to consider when comparing passport strengths, there are also other factors to consider. These factors include quality of life, economic growth, and investment potential.
Of course, we’ll answer the question; What is the strongest passport in Africa based on these factors.
Strongest Passport in Africa
In Africa, several countries hold remarkable passport strength, however, Seychelles has the most powerful passport. Subsequently, you’d learn why Seychelles holds this position.
1. Mobility
The mobility of a passport refers to the number of countries a passport enables you to travel visa-free. Usually, the higher the number of visa-free countries the passport holders can travel to, the more powerful the passport is considered.
Seychelles has visa-free access to 151 destinations in the world. This mobility is partly due to the country’s relatively small size and economy which allows a more liberal visa policy. As a result, citizens of Seychelles can easily book a flight on Changera and travel to over 100 countries in the world.
2. Economic Growth
Seychelles is a popular tourist destination which contributes to its growing economy. However, Seychelle’s economy is based primarily on fishing, processing of coconuts and vanilla, boat building, printing, furniture, and beverages.
The tourist sector employs about 30% of the labor force and provides about 70% of the hard currency. In recent years, the government has moved to reduce dependence on tourism by promoting the development of farming, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing.
Foreign Investments
One of the biggest investment opportunities in Seychelles is real estate.
This is majorly because of the tourism industry which has a growing demand for high-end properties. Investors take advantage of this by investing in beachfront properties, resort development, and residential properties. As a result, Seychelles has become a major attraction site for investors thereby contributing to the development of the country.
Other Strong Passports in Africa
1. Mauritius
Mauritius has visa-free access to 146 destinations, making it one of the strongest passports in Africa. Its global reputation is partly due to its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations and its relatively strong economy.
2. South Africa
Inarguably one of the most developed countries in Africa, South Africa has a relatively strong passport with visa-free access to 101 destinations. Plus, the country is also a member of the BRICS group of countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
3. Botswana
Botswana is a relatively prosperous country with a strong economy and a growing tourism industry. As a result of its strong diplomatic relationships with other countries, its passport is also one of the strongest in Africa. It has free visa access to 85 destinations in the world.
4. Namibia
Namibia has visa-free access to 82 destinations, and this is partly due to its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations.
5. Lesotho
Although Lesotho is a small country that is economically dependent on South Africa, it has managed to maintain relatively stable economic conditions. As a result, it is one of the countries with the strongest passports in Africa having visa-free access to 77 destinations.
6. Swaziland
Just like Lesotho, Swaziland is a small, landlocked country that is economically dependent on South Africa. However, due to its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations, its passport is one of the strongest in Africa. It has visa-free access to 73 destinations.
7. Malawi
Malawi is a relatively small and economically underdeveloped country but it has maintained relatively stable political stability. This is why it has one of the strongest passports with visa-free access to 71 destinations.
8. Kenya
Kenya is on this list due to its reputation as a travel destination as well as its strong diplomatic relationships with other countries. It has visa-free access to 71 destinations.
9. Tanzania
Tanzania has a growing economy and large tourism industry which contribute to its global reputation. It has visa-free access to 68 destinations in the world. As a result, more people are looking into owning a Tanzanian passport that opens up the possibility of visa-free travel.
Why Does Having a Strong Passport Matter?
There’s no doubt that having a strong passport can place you at an advantage over the majority. A strong passport is essentially your ticket to the world. The following are some of the benefits of having a strong passport:
Greater Business Opportunities
One of the most important advantages of a strong passport is that it gives you the freedom to travel the world without the constraints of a visa requirement. This means that you have more prospects to do business in countries with the best economy in the world. You can connect with global partners all over the world without the typical bureaucratic hurdles.
Access to Better Healthcare and Education
Sometimes, you may need to travel to other countries for better healthcare services or tertiary education. Having a strong passport makes this easier. Many countries require a visa to pass through their borders but if your passport is a strong one, you may not be required to apply for a visa. This is a plus in case of health emergencies where you need to travel urgently to countries with advanced medical facilities.
Likewise, many countries abroad offer better education so you may want to travel out to further your education. A strong passport can help you access world-class educational institutions.
Freedom to Travel
A strong passport offers you more flexibility in your travel plans. With a strong passport, you’ll have greater freedom to travel the world without stress. You can travel to any part of the world without restrictions and connect with people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Enhanced Quality of Life
Since you can travel to countries without restrictions with a strong passport, migration is a lot more flexible. If you want to improve your quality of life by seeking professional and personal development, you can relocate to a different country.
A strong passport is more than just another item on your list of travel documents. With it, you get to explore new destinations, business opportunities, and educational pursuits. Truly, the ability to move across borders fosters global mobility. In addition, individuals can access top-ranked universities, pursue international careers, and seek quality healthcare with a strong passport.
Do you have travel plans? Ensure that you book your flight ticket on a reliable platform. With Changera, you are guaranteed the best flight deals and can also count on the security of your transaction. Now, you can streamline your travel plans without any hassle.
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