The UAE passport has moved up to second place globally in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, marking another step forward in the country’s international mobility standing.
According to the latest ranking, the UAE passport now provides access to 187 destinations without the need for a prior visa. This places it second in the world, alongside Japan and South Korea, while Singapore holds the top spot. Sweden ranked third, followed by Belgium in fourth place and Denmark in fifth.
The latest result reflects a notable improvement from previous years. In 2024, the UAE passport ranked 11th globally with access to 183 destinations. It then rose to eighth place in 2025 with 185 destinations, before advancing to second place in 2026 with access to 187 destinations.
The Henley Passport Index is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association, known as IATA, and is widely used as a global reference for measuring passport strength through travel freedom.
Beyond travel convenience, the ranking also highlights the UAE’s broader international position. A stronger passport often reflects deeper diplomatic ties, greater international trust and smoother access for citizens across borders. In the UAE’s case, the latest rise points to the country’s steady progress in expanding its global reach and reinforcing its presence on the world stage.
The improvement also carries value for business and investment. Easier international mobility supports entrepreneurs, executives and investors who need to move quickly between major financial and commercial centres. In that sense, the strength of the UAE passport adds to the country’s appeal as a place connected to global markets and opportunities.
The ranking further signals international confidence in the UAE’s governance, security standards and institutional credibility. These factors play an important role in how countries are viewed globally and can have a wider impact on economic and investment relationships.
The UAE passport’s rise to second place confirms the country’s continued progress in global competitiveness indicators and reflects a broader development path built on openness, connectivity and international cooperation.
