Claim: The Henley Passport Index ranks The Gambia’s passport 64th globally.
Source: Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister for Information, Media & Broadcasting Services
Verdict: True

On 25 February 2026, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay said on Coffee Time:

“The Gambia passport is ranked globally the 64th most powerful passport according to the Henley Passport Index.”

This refers to the country’s position in the most recent edition of the Henley Passport Index, compiled by Henley & Partners, a British consultancy specializing in citizenship and residence.

Verification

A review of the 2026 Henley Passport Index confirms The Gambia is ranked 64th globally out of 199 passports assessed.

This ranking is based on the number of destinations Gambian passport holders can enter without obtaining a visa before departure. Currently, Gambians have access to 69 destinations either visa-free or with visa on arrival.

In practical terms, travellers do not need to apply for a traditional visa in advance; they can either enter the country directly or obtain a visa upon arrival.

The ranking represents a nine-place rise from 73rd in 2025.

Henley & Partners compiles the index using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents more than 250 airlines worldwide. The higher a passport ranks, the more destinations its holders can access without prior visa requirements.

Regionally, The Gambia now holds the title of most powerful passport in West Africa, providing greater travel mobility than neighboring countries. However, on the African continent as a whole, passports from Seychelles, Mauritius, and South Africa remain stronger.

Historically, the Gambia’s passport reached its highest position at 45th in 2006, before falling to its lowest ranking of 80th in 2021. The current climb signals a recovery in travel freedom for Gambians.

A full list of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations for Gambian passport holders is available on the Henley Passport Index website.

Context

Passport rankings fluctuate annually due to changes in visa policies, bilateral agreements, and diplomatic relations. An improvement in ranking does not necessarily mean new agreements were signed by The Gambia; shifts can also occur if other countries’ passports lose access.

Different passport indexes may produce slightly different results depending on methodology, but Henley is widely cited as the standard reference for global passport strength.

The index also considers cases where travellers can obtain a visa on arrival, visitor’s permit, or electronic travel authorization (ETA) upon entry.

Why Passport Power Matters for Business

Passport strength impacts more than tourism. It can affect:

• Ease of doing business internationally
• Access to new markets
• Speed and flexibility of business travel and deal-making

In Africa, Seychelles tops the ranking, placed 24th globally, with access to 154 destinations visa-free or with visa on arrival. It is followed by Mauritius (27th, 147 destinations), South Africa (48th), and Botswana (59th).

While The Gambia is not Africa’s strongest passport, its rise in ranking strengthens regional mobility and international business opportunities for citizens.

Conclusion

Dr. Ismaila Ceesay’s statement that The Gambia’s passport is ranked 64th globally is accurate. The ranking reflects a measurable improvement from 2025 and indicates expanded travel access for Gambians.

However, while the passport has gained ground, it remains below its historical peak in 2006 and is still less powerful than some African counterparts.