The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made a stunning climb in the world passport rankings, jumping a massive 53 spots to secure a coveted position in the Top 10.
This impressive feat is according to the latest Henley Passport Index released on Tuesday.
The UAE’s passport now grants visa-free access to an impressive 185 destinations around the globe, placing it firmly in 9th place. This significant rise is attributed to the Emirati government’s continuous efforts to establish the UAE as a global hub for business, tourism, and investment.
“The UAE’s meteoric ascent is a direct result of the government’s deliberate and determined strategy,” said Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley and Partners. He highlighted the strong correlation between a country’s visa-free score and its economic prosperity. Countries with more visa-free destinations tend to enjoy greater economic benefits, including increased foreign investment and stronger trade ties.
While the UAE celebrates its success, Singapore reclaims the top spot as the world’s most powerful passport. Singaporean citizens now hold the key to visa-free travel to a whopping 195 destinations. Several European powerhouses follow closely behind, with France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain sharing the second-place position, each offering visa-free access to 192 destinations.
The competition gets even tighter in the third spot, where seven countries – Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden – boast visa-free entry to 191 destinations. The UK, Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland come in a close fourth with visa-free access to 190 destinations each.
Rounding out the Top 10 are Greece and Poland (tied at 6th with 188 destinations), Canada, Czechia, Hungary, and Malta (tied at 7th with 187 destinations), the United States (8th with 186 destinations), Estonia and Lithuania (tied at 9th with 185 destinations), and Iceland, Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia (tied at 10th with 184 destinations).
This ranking system by the Henley Passport Index assigns a score based on the number of destinations a passport holder can access visa-free, including those requiring a visa on arrival, visitor’s permit, or electronic travel authorization (ETA).
The UAE’s rise in the rankings signifies not only its growing importance on the global stage but also the increasing ease with which Emirati citizens can travel the world. This visa-free advantage is a major boost for tourism, business ventures, and international connections for UAE residents.
