Johannesburg – The recent update from the 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 support for the Henley Passport Index, which offers a reliable global assessment of the strength of passports from various countries.

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Dr. Schreiber remarked that this enhancement 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 global standing from 53rd in 2024 to 48th at the beginning of 2025.

Minister Schreiber commented: “The relative strengthening of the South African passport marks just the beginning, aligning with the ongoing reform efforts at Home Affairs aimed at the digital transformation of all our operations.”

“By completely digitalizing and securing the process of obtaining essential documents – including passports – against fraud and manipulation, we will significantly 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, an essential element of our reform strategies.”

The Department of Home Affairs has suggested implementing biometrics or “e-Passports,” which contain an embedded microprocessor chip to verify the biometric information of all South African travelers.

“Our initiative to introduce an e-Passport and to digitally secure passport and document acquisition processes for South Africans, as well as visa application procedures for foreign nationals, will significantly boost the strength of our passport in the years ahead,” stated Minister Schreiber.