DailySun
Johannesburg – The most recent Henley Passport Index reveals that South Africa’s “Green Mamba” passport has experienced a 10% increase in its ranking from 2024 to 2025.
In light of this encouraging news, Home Affairs Minister Dr. Leon Schreiber expressed his satisfaction with the Henley Passport Index, which serves as a reliable global benchmark for evaluating the strength of passports from different countries.
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Dr. Schreiber highlighted that this upturn in passport strength has enabled South Africa to break into the global top 50 for the first time in a decade.
The South African passport improved its position from 53rd globally in 2024 to 48th at the beginning of 2025.
Minister Schreiber commented: “The notable enhancement in the strength of the South African passport is merely the start, as it aligns with the ongoing reform initiatives at Home Affairs, which emphasize the digital transformation of all our processes.”
“By completely digitalizing and securing the process of obtaining essential documents – including passports – against fraud and manipulation, we will greatly enhance the credibility of our documentation.”
Additionally, Minister Schreiber remarked: “The latest Henley Passport Index underscores the global shift towards the digitalization of visa processes, which is vital for our reform strategies.”
Home Affairs has suggested implementing biometrics or “e-Passports,” which feature an embedded microprocessor chip designed to verify the biometric data of all South African travelers.
“Our initiative to introduce an e-Passport and digitally secure both documentation and passport processes for South Africans, along with visa processes for foreign nationals, will substantially bolster the strength of our passport in the years ahead,” asserted Minister Schreiber.
