UAE passport’s remarkable rise: From 35 to 188 visa-free destinations in 20 years, reaching global No. 2 ranking.
The UAE passport has risen to become the world’s second-most powerful travel document, recording the most significant improvement in the 20-year history of the Henley Passport Index.
According to the July 2026 edition of the index, which is based on exclusive IATA Timatic data, Emirati passport holders now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations worldwide.
The UAE shares the second-place ranking with Japan and South Korea, trailing only Singapore, which continues to hold the title of the world’s most powerful passport with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 destinations.
UAE’s remarkable rise in global mobility
The UAE has become the standout success story in the latest Henley Passport Index, recording the largest improvement in the index’s 20-year history by adding 153 visa-free destinations since 2006.
Two decades ago, the UAE passport ranked mid-table globally, with access to only 35 destinations. Today, it has transformed into one of the world’s most powerful travel documents, granting holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations worldwide.
Dr Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the Henley Passport Index, said passport strength is a reflection of a country’s global standing and influence.
“Passport power is one of the clearest indicators of a nation’s geopolitical capital. The strongest passports belong to countries that the world seeks to engage with — whether through trade, investment, security partnerships or broader cooperation,” he said.
The UAE’s remarkable rise demonstrates how sustained diplomatic efforts, international partnerships and active global engagement can significantly enhance a country’s mobility, reach and influence.
Why the UAE’s passport rise matters
The UAE’s improved passport ranking represents more than greater ease of international travel. It reflects the country’s expanding diplomatic relationships, economic partnerships and growing role as a global hub for business, investment and talent.
With visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 of 227 destinations, Emirati citizens now enjoy one of the highest levels of travel freedom in the world.
The report also highlights how the UAE’s passport strength supports its ability to develop international partnerships and attract businesses, investors and skilled professionals from around the globe.
Henley & Partners noted that demand for global mobility solutions is also increasing among UAE-based residents, with enquiries for residence and citizenship-by-investment programmes rising by 41% since the escalation of conflict in the Gulf in February.
UAE passport: Key highlights
- Largest rise in history: The UAE passport recorded the biggest improvement in the Henley Passport Index’s history, adding 153 visa-free destinations since 2006.
- A transformation from 35 to 188 destinations: Over two decades, the UAE passport has moved from a mid-ranking position to one of the world’s most powerful travel documents.
- Global No. 2 ranking: The UAE shares second place worldwide with Japan and South Korea, behind Singapore.
- A reflection of global influence: The passport’s strength highlights the UAE’s expanding international partnerships and geopolitical influence.
- Beyond travel access: The rise reflects stronger diplomacy, economic relationships and global connectivity.
- A magnet for business and talent: Greater mobility supports the UAE’s position as a destination for investors, companies and skilled professionals.
- Exceptional travel freedom: Emirati citizens can travel to 188 of 227 destinations without needing a visa in advance.
- Growing demand for mobility options: Enquiries from UAE residents for residence and citizenship-by-investment programmes have increased by 41%.
World’s most powerful passports in 2026
The latest rankings reflect a shifting global mobility landscape:
- Singapore — 192 destinations
- UAE, Japan, South Korea — 188 destinations
- Sweden — 187 destinations
- Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Spain — 186 destinations
- Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Switzerland — 185 destinations
- Hungary, Poland and the United Kingdom — 184 destinations
- Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Latvia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Slovakia and Slovenia — 183 destinations
- Croatia and Estonia — 182 destinations
- Lithuania and Liechtenstein — 181 destinations
- Iceland and the United States — 180 destinations
From No. 1 to No. 10: How the US passport lost its leading position
The latest index highlights a significant shift in global passport rankings over the past two decades.
In 2006, the United States held the world’s strongest passport ranking alongside Denmark and Finland, providing access to 130 destinations.
Twenty years later, the US passport has slipped to 10th place globally, with access to 180 destinations. As multiple countries share the same rankings, 36 passports now sit ahead of the American passport in terms of travel access.
The United Kingdom, which ranked third in 2006, has moved to sixth place, while Canada now ranks seventh in the latest index.
Global mobility gap reaches record levels
While passport strength has improved across the world, the divide between the most and least mobile citizens has continued to grow, reaching its widest point on record.
The latest rankings highlight an increasingly unequal landscape of global mobility, where citizens of the highest-ranked passport countries enjoy access to a far greater number of destinations compared with those holding weaker travel documents.
Singapore’s position at the top of the index, with access to 192 destinations, stands in stark contrast to Afghanistan’s ranking at the bottom, with access to only 22 destinations.
The difference represents a record 170-destination gap between the world’s strongest and weakest passports, highlighting the growing divide in global travel freedom.
Afghanistan has remained the lowest-ranked passport since 2006, although its citizens’ access has improved from just 12 destinations two decades ago.
The weakest passports in the 2026 ranking are:
- Afghanistan — 22 destinations
- Syria — 26 destinations
- Iraq — 29 destinations
- Yemen — 31 destinations
- Pakistan — 32 destinations
- Somalia — 32 destinations
- Nepal — 39 destinations
- Palestinian Territories — 40 destinations
- Libya — 40 destinations
- Bangladesh — 40 destinations
Bolivia was the only passport to experience a decline over the past two decades, losing access to six visa-free destinations.
Diplomacy, not only peace, shapes passport strength
Henley & Partners’ analysis, which compared passport rankings with the Global Peace Index, found that peaceful countries often tend to have stronger passports. However, it also highlighted that diplomacy, economic influence and international cooperation can significantly shape a country’s global mobility.
The UAE was among the countries identified as having passport strength that exceeds what its peace ranking alone might predict.
The report noted that passport power is influenced by multiple factors, including diplomatic reach, economic strength, international partnerships and global confidence in a country’s institutions.
Dr Kaelin said mobility is increasingly becoming a measure of opportunity and choice.
“For 20 years, we have tracked how countries expand freedom of movement for their citizens. Today, we are seeing a similar shift in the way families think about their future,” he said.
He added: “In an increasingly uncertain world, the greatest privilege is no longer only the ability to travel — it is the freedom to choose and the ability to access opportunities.”
A new era of global mobility
The UAE’s transformation from a mid-ranking passport to one of the world’s most powerful travel documents reflects a wider shift in global mobility, where access, connectivity and international influence are becoming increasingly important measures of a country’s standing.
As countries compete to attract trade, investment and global talent, passport strength is evolving beyond a measure of travel convenience. It is increasingly seen as an indicator of a nation’s global connectivity, economic opportunities and international influence.
