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UAE Passport Now Ranks 5th Strongest in the World for 2026

UAE passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries, beating major global players

  • Publish date: since 2 hour Reading time: two min read
UAE Passport Now Ranks 5th Strongest in the World for 2026

If travel freedom had a leaderboard, the UAE just cracked the top five.

The UAE passport is now ranked the 5th strongest in the world for 2026, according to the latest Henley Passport Index, jumping five spots from last year. That puts it ahead of passports from countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

What UAE Passport Holders Get

With the new ranking, UAE passport holders can access 184 destinations visa-free or with visa on arrival. The UAE now shares the fifth spot with Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Only 42 destinations worldwide still require a visa for UAE citizens.

Who’s at the Top

At number one is Singapore, offering access to 192 countries.
Japan and South Korea take second place, while Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, and Sweden sit in third.

Popular Visa-Free Destinations

UAE passport holders can easily travel to major destinations like:

  • UK

  • Germany

  • Switzerland

  • Spain

  • Sweden

  • Singapore

  • South Korea

  • Thailand

  • Maldives

  • New Zealand

Not bad for spontaneous travel plans.

A Massive Climb Over the Years

The UAE has made one of the biggest jumps in passport power globally.

Back in 2016, it ranked 38th. Fast forward to 2026, and it’s now 5th, gaining access to 149 additional destinations over two decades. Henley & Partners credits this rise to strong diplomacy and long-term visa agreements.

Why Passport Power Matters Now

Experts say passport strength has become more than just about travel — it’s about security and flexibility.

Henley & Partners CEO Dr Juerg Steffen said global mobility is now seen as a form of long-term planning, especially as travel rules become more unpredictable. Other analysts note that weakening passport power in countries like the US and UK reflects bigger political and diplomatic shifts worldwide.

In short: where your passport ranks now matters more than ever.

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