UAE citizens can travel visa-free to 187 destinations worldwide
The UAE passport has continued its remarkable upward journey on the global mobility ladder, cementing its position as one of the most powerful passports in the world.
Once ranked in the 60s on the Henley Passport Index, the UAE has steadily climbed over the past two decades through a consistent expansion of visa-free and visa-on-arrival agreements.
In the latest 2026 update, the UAE now sits proudly in joint 2nd place globally, alongside Japan and South Korea, offering visa-free access to 187 destinations worldwide.
It’s a milestone that reflects years of diplomatic expansion, strong international partnerships, and the country’s growing global influence.
At the very top of the ranking, Singapore holds first place with access to 192 destinations, maintaining its lead as the world’s most powerful passport. Sharing second place are Japan, South Korea, and the UAE, all closely aligned in terms of global mobility strength.
Just behind them in third place is Sweden, followed by a strong cluster of European nations in fourth place including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland, all offering access to 185 destinations.
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In fifth place, countries such as Austria, Greece, Malta, and Portugal continue to perform strongly, reflecting Europe’s overall dominance in global travel freedom.
Closer to home, the wider Gulf region also shows strong momentum as other GCC and regional peers continue to strengthen their mobility profiles.
Qatar sits at 45th, Kuwait at 47th, Saudi Arabia at 51st, but the UAE leads the region by a significant margin in the global top tier, highlighting its standout progress compared to neighbouring Gulf nations.
What makes the UAE’s rise particularly notable is the pace of its transformation. In just a generation, it has moved from a relatively modest global position to becoming one of the top three passports in the world.
This is a reflection of its expanding global connectivity, strong international reputation, and sustained focus on building bridges across continents.
For UAE citizens, the latest ranking isn’t just a statistic, it’s a symbol of how far the country has come on the global stage.
For further information, visit henleyglobal.com
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