The United Arab Emirates has surged to 5th place on the 2026 Henley Passport Index, marking the strongest long‑term climb of any country in the ranking’s 20‑year history.
- Rank: 5th globally (ahead of New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and the United States)
- Visa‑free/visa‑on‑arrival access: 184 destinations
- Increase since 2006: 149 additional destinations, a rise of 57 places over two decades
- Data source: Exclusive travel‑information data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
The index, which counts the number of destinations a passport holder can enter without a prior visa, attributes the UAE’s ascent to sustained diplomatic engagement, strategic visa policies, and expanding bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
Contextual factors
- IATA projects more than 5.2 billion airline passengers worldwide in 2026, underscoring the growing importance of passport strength for economic and social participation.
- Research by Henley & Partners identifies key predictors of passport power: reciprocity in visa policies, proactive foreign relations, economic stability, and openness to tourism and foreign residents. The UAE’s policies align with these factors, reflecting its broader economic diversification strategy.
Implications
- Greater travel freedom enhances opportunities for UAE citizens in business, education, and tourism.
- The rise also signals increased soft power for the UAE, as broader visa‑free access often correlates with stronger international relationships.
The Henley Passport Index continues to serve as a benchmark for governments and travelers, using IATA’s comprehensive travel database and ongoing research to track changes in global mobility.
Source article: www.henleyglobal.com
