The UAE passport has officially entered the major league, now the second strongest in the world in the 2026 Henley Index. With access to 187 countries visa-free, Emiratis can enjoy more travel freedom than ever before: the EU, the UK, Thailand, Switzerland, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, just to name a few.
This marks a significant rise, up from 10th place just last year, and an impressive leap from its modest 38th position in 2016. Today, the UAE is ranked alongside countries like Japan and South Korea.
In the past 10 years, the country has gained visa-free access to 152 additional destinations, making it one of the world’s fastest-improving passports.
Henley Passport Index is the most trusted ranking system. It ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without requiring a visa.
For some UAE residents from other countries, here’s a look at where they stand in April 2026:
- UK: 6th place
- Australia: 7th place
- Russia and Turkey: 44th place
- Qatar: 45th place
- Kuwait: 47th place
- Saudi Arabia and Bahrain: 51st place
- Oman: 54th place
- India: 77th place
The top spot is still held by Singapore (192 visa-free destinations).
For Emiratis, this new ranking unlocks even more travel opportunities. Whether you’re heading to London or Tokyo, you have less visa hassles. Plus, some UAE national carriers not only offer direct flights to top destinations worldwide, but they’ve also been ranked among the safest airlines globally in 2026: another reason to feel proud of where you’re flying from!
Keep an eye out for more updates on global rankings and travel news!
