UAE passport rises to second in world rankings with 187 visa-free destinations
Singapore leads index while several Asian and European countries follow
DUBAI – The UAE passport has achieved its highest-ever global ranking, securing second place in the 2026 Henley & Partners Passport Index.
The latest assessment places Emirati travel document holders among the most mobile citizens in the world, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 destinations. The development marks a significant milestone in the country’s steadily rising global mobility profile, reflecting years of sustained diplomatic engagement and international agreements.
It also strengthens the UAE’s position as the strongest passport in the Middle East, standing ahead of all other Arab nations in the global ranking. The index highlights a continued upward trajectory that has seen the passport move into the uppermost tier of global travel freedom.
Global ranking
The 2026 index, compiled by UK-based consultancy Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa. Singapore retained the top position with access to 192 destinations. The UAE shares second place with Japan and South Korea, each offering access to 187 destinations.
Sweden follows in third place with 186 destinations, while a broad group of European nations including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Switzerland share fourth position with 185 destinations. Austria, Greece, Malta and Portugal are ranked fifth with 184 destinations.
Visa access
The UAE passport’s access to 187 destinations without advance visa requirements underscores its growing international strength. This ranking places it ahead of major global economies including the United States and the United Kingdom, which appear further down the list.
The UAE remains the only Arab country in the top 10, highlighting its distinctive position in global mobility rankings. Other Gulf Cooperation Council countries are placed lower, with Qatar at No 45, Kuwait at No 47, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain jointly at No 51, and Oman at No 54.
The index reflects not only tourism and travel convenience but also broader implications for business connectivity, emergency travel flexibility and international engagement. Reduced visa requirements continue to enhance ease of movement for Emirati citizens across multiple regions worldwide.
Fastest climb in a decade
Over the past decade, the UAE passport has recorded one of the fastest climbs in global rankings. In 2016, it stood at 38th position; by 2026, it had advanced 36 places to reach second globally. The passport also rose from 64th place in 2012, illustrating a long-term upward trajectory in international mobility.
Key diplomatic milestones have supported this rise, including the 2015 Schengen visa waiver agreement, which significantly expanded access to European destinations. The UAE entered the top 20 by 2019 and continued its ascent through the pandemic period, maintaining momentum despite global travel disruptions.
By 2024, it had overtaken passports from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, and entered the top 10 in 2025 before reaching its current joint second position. The consistent improvement reflects a broad network of bilateral agreements aimed at increasing global connectivity for Emirati citizens.
The 2026 ranking places Singapore at the top with 192 destinations, followed closely by the UAE, Japan and South Korea. The shift underscores a competitive global landscape in passport strength, with several countries continuing to expand visa-free travel agreements.
The latest index also shows a wide spread among European nations in the upper tiers, while Gulf states continue to progress at varying rates.