The UAE passport has officially earned its place among the world’s top 10 most powerful passports in 2025, with visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to 185 destinations worldwide.
This marks a significant achievement for the UAE, improving its rank from 11th place in 2024 to 10th in 2025, according to the latest Henley & Partners Passport Index.
Henley & Partners Passport Index 2025
The UAE’s passport ranking has seen a remarkable upward trajectory in recent years. It was ranked 15th in 2022, moved to 11th in 2024, and has now entered the coveted top 10. The most notable leap came in 2018, when the UAE’s passport jumped 17 spots—from 38th to 21st place — setting the stage for future improvements.
The progress reflects the UAE’s strong diplomatic ties, global mobility initiatives, and strategic investments in international relations. The UAE’s passport shares its 10th spot with those of Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia.
Visa-free countries for UAE passport holders
UAE passport holders enjoy extensive travel freedom, with access to some of the most popular countries without the need for a visa or with visa-on-arrival facilities. You can check the visa on arrival countries for UAE citizens here.
This extensive list of destinations allows UAE citizens to travel seamlessly for both business and leisure, making the UAE passport one of the most valuable globally.
While the UAE has surged to the top 10, its Gulf neighbors rank differently on the Henley & Partners Passport Index. Qatar holds the 47th position, followed by Kuwait at 50th, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia at 58th, and Oman at 59th. This highlights the UAE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its passport’s global standing.
The Henley & Partners Passport Index ranks 199 passports worldwide, based on visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 227 global destinations. Singapore remains at the top of the list for 2025, with its passport providing visa-free access to an impressive 195 countries and territories.
Other countries in the top tier include Japan, which holds the second position with 193 destinations, and Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and Spain, all of which secured the third position with 192 destinations.
The Henley Index is a vital tool for both travelers and policymakers, as it helps measure global mobility and reflects a country’s international standing.
Why UAE’s passport strength matters
The rise in the UAE’s passport rank is more than just a diplomatic achievement; it underscores the country’s growing global influence, robust international relationships, and its position as a gateway to the Middle East. With increasing travel freedoms, UAE nationals are better positioned for business, tourism, and cultural exchanges across the world.
As travel restrictions continue to evolve in a post-pandemic world, the UAE’s commitment to improving its global travel access is a testament to its forward-thinking foreign policy and its role as a key player in global affairs.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
