The United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport has achieved a remarkable milestone by ranking 10th globally in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. This ranking reflects the passport’s access to 185 countries without a visa or with visa-on-arrival options, marking an improvement from the previous year.
Significant Ranking Improvements
The UAE passport has steadily climbed the ranks:
- 2017: Ranked 38th
- 2018: Jumped to 21st
- 2022-2023: Held the 15th position
- 2024: Rose to 11th
- 2025: Achieved 10th position
This upward trajectory highlights the UAE’s commitment to enhancing global mobility for its citizens.
Notable Visa-Free Access
UAE passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several popular destinations, including:
- Canada
- Germany
- Japan
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
Comparison with Other Countries
In the Gulf region, other countries rank lower:
- Qatar: 47th
- Kuwait: 50th
- Bahrain and Saudi Arabia: 58th
- Oman: 59th
Global Passport Rankings Overview
According to the Henley Passport Index:
- Singapore: 195 destinations
- Japan: 193 destinations
- Finland, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain: 192 destinations each
- UAE, Latvia, Lithuania: 185 destinations each
This ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and includes analysis of 199 passports and 227 travel destinations.
Conclusion
The UAE’s ascent to the top ten in global passport rankings underscores its diplomatic efforts and international relations. With enhanced travel freedom, UAE citizens can enjoy greater opportunities for global mobility and engagement.
