The UAE passport 2026 has secured third place worldwide, giving Emirati citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 186 destinations.
The latest ranking comes from the Henley & Partners Passport Index, widely regarded as the global benchmark for passport strength. The update confirms the continued rise of the United Arab Emirates in international mobility.
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UAE passport 2026: Third most powerful worldwide
The latest Henley Passport Index places the United Arab Emirates — United Arab Emirates — at 3rd globally for 2026 with 186 destinations available either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through electronic travel authorisation (eTA). The index compares 199 passports using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The top positions in 2026 are:
- 1st: Singapore — 192 destinations.
- 2nd: Japan and South Korea — 188 destinations each.
- 3rd: UAE and several European states — 186 destinations.
186-Destination Score Based on Visa Policy Classifications
- Visa-free: No visa required before travel
- Visa-on-arrival (VoA): Visa issued upon entry at the destination
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA): Online approval prior to travel
The latest update confirms two additional destinations added to the UAE’s mobility total compared to the previous 2026 assessments earlier in the year.
Strong diplomatic positioning is reflected in the ranking
The latest results underline the UAE’s sustained diplomatic engagement and bilateral agreements that have expanded travel access over the past two decades.
Henley data shows the UAE passport has seen one of the fastest climbs in the index since the mid-2000s, moving from lower global positions to consistently ranking among the world’s top travel documents.
“The UAE’s rise on the Henley Passport Index is without parallel. It demonstrates how long-term vision, political stability, and proactive diplomacy can translate directly into tangible mobility benefits for citizens, and increase soft power for the country,” Chairman of Henley & Partners.
The 2026 third-place position marks its strongest performance to date under the Henley framework.
Expanded Global Mobility for UAE Nationals
For Emirati passport holders, the third-place ranking translates into simplified international travel across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond under visa-free or simplified entry systems.
However, specific entry rules, permitted stay durations, and documentation requirements still vary by destination. Travellers are advised to verify entry conditions directly with official authorities before departure.
Global passport hierarchy in 2026
The 2026 edition highlights narrowing gaps among the world’s most powerful passports:
| Rank | Country/Region | Destinations (Visa-Free / VoA) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 192 |
| 2 | Japan | 187 |
| 2 | South Korea | 187 |
| 3 | Sweden | 186 |
| 3 | UAE (United Arab Emirates) | 186 |
| 4 | Belgium | 185 |
| 4 | Denmark | 185 |
| 4 | Finland | 185 |
| 4 | France | 185 |
| 4 | Germany | 185 |
The ranking remains dynamic and may shift throughout the year as travel agreements are updated.
About the Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index is considered one of the most authoritative global mobility rankings. It is updated regularly to reflect real-time travel policy changes using IATA’s official travel database.
The index currently evaluates:
- 199 passports
- 227 travel destinations
- Real-time visa policy data
