When it comes to passport power, Seychelles is the ultimate MVP in Africa, and it just scored another win by adding Benin to its list of visa-free destinations. That’s right, Seychellois travelers can now pack their bags and head to Benin without the hassle of applying for a visa, thanks to a newly signed agreement between the two countries.
The big moment happened during the 19th Summit of the Francophonie in France, where Seychelles’ Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sylvestre Radegonde, sealed the deal. The summit, which gathered heads of state and government from French-speaking nations, tackled major global issues—think international cooperation and crisis management in places like Lebanon, Haiti, and the DRC. But for Seychellois globetrotters, the headline news was definitely the latest visa exemption.
With this new agreement, Seychelles continues to flex its passport muscle, keeping its crown as the top-ranked passport in Africa. According to the 2024 Henley & Partners Passport Index, Seychelles ranks 26th in the world, with a whopping 156 visa-free destinations under its belt. And it’s not just about quantity—this island nation has been steadily climbing the global ranks, moving from 46th place back in 2006 to its current spot at 26th.
So, what does this mean for you? Well, with every new visa-free deal, the Seychellois passport becomes more powerful, and who knows? We might just see Seychelles climb even higher in the global rankings. For now, if you’ve ever dreamt of exploring the vibrant culture of Benin, your next adventure just got a lot easier!