The UAE passport has retained its position as the world’s second most powerful passport in the Henley Passport Index 2026, allowing holders to travel to 188 destinations without obtaining a prior visa or receiving a visa on arrival.
The ranking highlights the continued growth of the UAE’s international relations and agreements, which have expanded travel opportunities for Emirati passport holders.
Global ranking
Singapore ranked first in the 2026 index with access to 192 destinations. The UAE shared second place with Japan and South Korea, which also provide visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations.
Sweden ranked third with access to 187 destinations, while Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain ranked fourth with 186 destinations.
Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Switzerland followed in fifth place with access to 185 destinations.
Major improvement
The report said the UAE recorded the biggest rise since January 2026, moving up three positions to reach second place globally. It also marked the largest improvement achieved by any country in the history of the index over the past 20 years.
Since the index was launched in 2006, the UAE passport has added 153 new destinations that can be accessed without a visa, moving from an average global position to one of the world’s strongest passports.
The report linked the progress to sustained diplomatic efforts and international cooperation that have supported greater freedom of movement.
Diplomatic strength
“Passport strength has become one of the most prominent indicators of a country’s geopolitical standing and the strongest passports belong to countries with which other countries seek to build partnerships in the areas of trade, investment, security and international co-operation,” said Dr. Christian Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and inventor of the index.
The report said the UAE’s performance reflects the country’s expanding international partnerships and growing diplomatic and economic presence, helping strengthen its position among the world’s leading passports.
Global travel access
The index also showed that the average number of destinations accessible without a visa for passport holders worldwide increased to 108 in 2026, compared with 58 when the index began in 2006.
The increase came despite challenges including declining levels of global peace and a rise in international conflicts during the same period.
