UAE Passport Ranks Second Globally in 2026 Index

The United Arab Emirates passport has ranked second globally in the 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 destinations. The ranking places the UAE first in the Middle East and ties it with Japan and South Korea, while Singapore retains the top position with access to 192 destinations.
The index, compiled by Henley & Partners, is based on data from the International Air Transport Association and measures how many destinations passport holders can enter without obtaining a visa in advance.
Sweden ranks third, followed by a group of European countries in fourth place, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Switzerland. Fifth place is shared by Austria, Greece, Malta and Portugal.
Over the past decade, the UAE passport has advanced 36 positions in the index, rising from 38th place in 2016 to its current second-place ranking in 2026.