UAE Climbs to Second Place in Global Passport Rankings
The UAE passport ranking just hit a historic high. According to the newly released Henley Passport Index 2026, the UAE now sits in second place worldwide, giving citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations.
Only Singapore ranks higher, with access to 192 destinations. The UAE shares its second-place spot with Japan and South Korea, marking the strongest position any Arab passport has ever held on the index.
What makes this even more impressive is the journey behind it. Back in 2006, when the index first launched, the UAE passport offered access to just 35 destinations. Over the past 20 years, it has added 153 new destinations, the single biggest improvement recorded by any country in the index’s history.
Henley & Partners Chairman Dr Christian Kaelin said passport strength reflects a nation’s diplomatic reach, calling it one of the clearest signs of a country’s global standing. The UAE’s rise, he noted, mirrors its growing partnerships in trade, security and international cooperation.
For everyday travellers, this means smoother trips, fewer visa headaches, and yet another reason to feel proud of that little burgundy passport.
