Mogadishu, Somalia – The latest Henley Passport Index, released recently, ranked Somalia’s passport 95th globally, giving its citizens access to just over 30 destinations without requiring a visa in advance. This modest standing reflects both the country’s fragile diplomatic reach and global security perceptions, leaving Somalis among the least mobile citizens in terms of international travel.
In comparison, Kenya continues to lead the region. Ranked 69th, the Kenyan passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 71 destinations, making it the most powerful travel document in East Africa. Ethiopia performs better than Somalia but remains constrained, standing at 91st with access to 46 destinations. Djibouti’s passport, meanwhile, is ranked 98th, offering entry to 48 destinations, placing it slightly above Somalia but still far behind Kenya.
The contrast underscores how uneven mobility is within the Horn of Africa. For Somalis, the limited ranking translates into significant hurdles when seeking education, business, or medical opportunities abroad, as visas are often costly and time-consuming to secure. For Kenya, however, the stronger passport reflects the dividends of expanded diplomatic partnerships and improved travel agreements.
Despite the slight differences among its neighbours, Somalia’s position remains a reminder of the broader challenges it faces on the global stage. Improving the passport’s standing would likely depend on continued state-building efforts, stronger bilateral relations, and enhancing the security integrity of its travel documents.