New Passport Index data shows that Emiratis have access to 182 destinations worldwide.
Montréal, Canada: New data released today by Arton Capital’s Passport Index shows that the United Arab Emirates has further strengthened its position as the world’s strongest passport, reaching a score of 182 — the highest ever recorded in the index.
The UAE has held the top position since 2018. The latest figures highlight the country’s expanding diplomatic and economic influence, with Emirati citizens now enjoying unprecedented access to international markets, business centres, and tourism destinations worldwide.
At a time when many countries are experiencing stagnation or a decline in visa-free access, the UAE has continued to advance an effective mobility strategy through sustained international engagement and bilateral agreements.
Since the launch of the UAE Passport Force Initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2017, the Passport Index has worked closely with authorities to track progress, support international engagement, and document one of the most significant rises in modern passport history — from 88th place globally to the world’s strongest passport in less than a decade.
Asian mobility growth stagnates
Singapore retained second place in the Passport Index’s individual rankings with a score of 175, while Malaysia remained the only other Asian passport in the top tier, ranking 17th.
Despite Asia contributing nearly half of global GDP growth in 2026, that economic strength has not translated into higher passport rankings. South Korea and Japan each dropped four places, with South Korea falling out of the top 20, further reinforcing Europe’s dominance.
Europe retains dominance
European passports continued to hold a strong presence in the top 20 rankings, with Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and Denmark remaining among the world’s most powerful passports.
Luxembourg notably rose from 10th to fifth place with a score of 174, as the country works to position itself as a European AI technology hub. This increase pushed Finland out of the top 10 compared with 2025.
World openness score declines further
The Passport Index’s World Openness Score — a real-time indicator of global accessibility — declined again in 2026, reaching its lowest level since 2023, as border systems become more digitalised and restrictions on high-skilled and nationality-based visas continue to tighten.
Compared with 2025, when 24 countries improved their mobility scores, only 11 countries recorded gains in 2026.
Global travel restrictions tighten
In the Passport Index’s Welcoming Countries ranking, Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand all declined as visa restrictions tightened, border systems evolved, and passport bans expanded.
By contrast, the United Kingdom rose two places despite introducing mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs).
A broader trend also emerged across Europe, with several countries slipping in the Welcoming Countries rankings following the rollout of the ETIAS travel system across 30 European nations.
Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital and co-founder of the Passport Index, said: “This is a standout year for the Passport Index, with record highs achieved by the UAE. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, the UAE remains unshakeable in its relevance on the global stage.”
He added: “We anticipate that 2027 will generate even greater disparities in passport power due to potential global unrest, tighter restrictions, and declining world openness. As global movement and accessibility become necessities rather than luxuries, a powerful passport will increasingly serve as a critical dividing line between the haves and have-nots.”
