The UAE passport has jumped to the fifth spot on the global Henley Passport Index. This ranking allows citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries and territories.
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on how many destinations holders can access without prior visas. It is considered a global benchmark.
Since 2015, the UAE passport has risen an impressive 37 places, moving from 42nd to fifth globally. This growth reflects strategic diplomatic initiatives by the UAE.
Officials note that these measures have opened broader international travel opportunities for Emirati citizens, enhancing the country’s global mobility.
In comparison, the United Kingdom shares the seventh spot with Australia, while Russia ranks 46th on the index.
Other regional passports include Saudi Arabia at 54th, and Pakistan at 98th, offering visa-free access to 66 countries.
The top ten rankings for 2026 are dominated by Asian and European countries. Singapore leads with access to 192 destinations.
Japan and South Korea follow closely with 188 destinations each. European nations including Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, and Switzerland rank fourth with 186 destinations.
Countries such as Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, and Norway share fifth place with 185 destinations.
The UAE joins Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia in the fifth spot, signaling significant diplomatic progress.
Countries like Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Malta, New Zealand, and Poland round out the seventh spot with 183 destinations.
Australia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, and the United Kingdom rank eighth, while Canada, Iceland, and Lithuania occupy ninth place. The United States ranks tenth with access to 179 destinations.
This upward trajectory demonstrates the UAE’s growing global influence and international connectivity. Citizens now enjoy more seamless travel for business, education, and tourism.
The UAE government emphasizes that this success is the result of sustained diplomatic efforts, visa agreements, and global partnerships.
As international mobility continues to expand, the UAE passport’s strengthened position reflects the country’s ambition to remain a leader in global engagement.
The 2026 Henley Passport Index confirms that strategic diplomacy can directly enhance a nation’s global mobility and travel freedom.
