The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recorded the strongest rise of any country on the Henley Passport Index over two decades, climbing 57 places to rank 5th in 2026.
According to the Henley Passport Index, which marks its 20th anniversary this year and is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), UAE passport holders now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations.
This represents an increase of 149 destinations since 2006, the largest gain recorded by any country in the index’s history. The UAE has strengthened its passport power through diplomacy, visa policy, and the expansion of partnerships.
Henley Passport Index 2026: UAE records strongest rise with access to 184 countries
“The UAE’s rise on the Henley Passport Index is without parallel. It demonstrates how long-term vision, political stability, and proactive diplomacy can translate directly into tangible mobility benefits for citizens, and increasing soft power for the country,” Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the index said in a statement.
The UAE now ranks ahead of passports including New Zealand (6th), the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia (both 7th), Canada (8th), and the United States (10th).
This achievement underscores the UAE’s emergence as a leader in building relationships across regions, reflected in the breadth of visa-free access granted to its citizens.
“The record-breaking ascent of the UAE passport reflects our leadership’s forward-looking vision and unwavering commitment to openness, dialogue, and global cooperation. This achievement is the result of the tireless efforts of UAE diplomacy to establish strategic partnerships that elevate the nation’s standing on the international stage,” Omar Obaid Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“By expanding travel freedom, the UAE ensures that our citizens enjoy ever-greater opportunities across the world, while simultaneously fostering global growth and collaboration. The UAE’s journey stands as an inspiring example of how vision, engagement, and openness can translate into tangible benefits for both citizens and the wider international community,” he added.
UAE’s 20-year rise reflects diplomatic strategy and global partnerships
IATA is forecasting more than 5.2 billion airline passengers in 2026 as travel demand continues to grow. Passport strength is becoming a critical enabler of participation and soft power.
“A record number of people are expected to travel in 2026. The unequivocal economic and social benefits generated by this travel grow as it becomes more accessible. As many governments look to more tightly secure their borders, technological advances such as digital ID and digital passports should not be overlooked by policymakers. Convenient travel and secure borders are possible,” Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA added.
Research from Henley & Partners into the predictors of passport strength highlights the factors that underpin a passport, including reciprocity in visa policies, relations, status, and tourism-led openness.
Countries that negotiate visa waivers and build ties tend to expand travel freedom for their citizens. The research also shows that stability, combined with openness to visitors and residents, correlates with gains in passport power – a dynamic the UAE demonstrates.
“Passport strength is not accidental – it is built by a clear vision and policy. Our research shows that countries which invest in diplomatic credibility, reciprocal openness, and international cooperation are rewarded with greater mobility for their citizens. Nations such as the UAE especially, through their steady and clear leadership, have prioritised tourism, trade, and global engagement as part of broader economic diversification strategies, helping drive successive improvements in visa-free access. The UAE exemplifies how a long-term, strategic approach to global engagement translates directly into passport power,” Dr. Kaelin added.
