The UAE has officially entered the global top 10 for passport power. According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the UAE passport is now ranked 8th, granting its holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries and territories.
This puts the UAE on par with Canada and Estonia, and marks a major leap from its 42nd position just over a decade ago. In fact, the UAE has seen the biggest climb of any country in that time span — rising 34 spots.
The Henley Passport Index is based on how many destinations passport holders can visit without a prior visa. The UAE’s strategic diplomatic efforts and bilateral agreements have helped transform its passport from one with access to just 35 countries into a top-tier travel document.
Recent updates for UAE nationals include visa-free access to Japan, further expanding travel opportunities for Emirati citizens. The country’s push to improve mobility and strengthen international partnerships has clearly paid off.
Residents of the UAE holding other passports may also find out where their documents stand. Here’s a list of other countries and their position in Henley Passport Index 2025:
- UK: 6th place
- Australia: 7th place
- Russia and Turkey: 46th place
- Qatar: 47th
- Saudi Arabia: 54th
- Bahrain: 55th
- Oman: 56th
- India: 77th
Singapore leads in Henley Passport Index with visa-free access to 193 countries, followed by Japan and South Korea (190), and a cluster of European countries in the 3rd place (Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain) with 189 visa-free countries.
For Emiratis, now may be the time to start exploring new destinations without worrying about visa red tape — from Europe to East Asia and beyond. If you’re planning an unusual adventure, check out our Central Asia guide for ideas and inspiration.
