The United Arab Emirates has recorded the strongest long-term climb in the history of the Henley Passport Index, advancing 57 places over the past two decades to rank 5th worldwide in 2026.
The latest Henley Passport Index, which marks its 20th anniversary this year and is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has revealed that the UAE passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations worldwide.
This represents an exceptional increase of 149 destinations since 2006, a record-setting gain that stands as the largest achieved by any country in the history of the index.
The UAE has consistently strengthened its passport power, and its rank on the Henley Passport Index through sustained diplomatic engagement, strategic visa policy, and the expansion of bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
Rep. Image Credits: Freepik | Cropped by GBN
In the Henley Passport Index, UAE now ranks ahead of traditionally strong passports including New Zealand (6th), the United Kingdom and Australia (both 7th), Canada (8th), and the United States (10th). This landmark achievement reflects the UAE’s emergence as a global leader in building constructive, trust-based international relationships across regions, a progression clearly mirrored in the breadth of travel freedom granted to Emirati citizens.
As international travel demand continues to grow, with IATA forecasting more than 5.2 billion airline passengers worldwide in 2026, passport strength is becoming an increasingly critical enabler of economic and social participation and soft power.
Dr. Christian H. Kaelin Chairman – Henley and Partners
“The UAE’s rise on the Henley Passport Index 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. Passport strength is not accidental – it is built by 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, through their steady and clear leadership, have prioritized 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.”
Omar Obaid Al Shamsi, Under-Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commented that, “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. 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.”
Image credits: Henley and Partners | Cropped by GBN
Willie Walsh, Director-General of IATA, noted that a record number of people are expected to travel in 2026, with the economic and social benefits of global mobility expanding as travel becomes more accessible. He added that while many governments are moving to strengthen border security, policymakers should not overlook technological advances such as digital identification and digital passports, emphasizing that efficient, convenient travel and secure borders can be achieved simultaneously.
Henley Passport Index: The strength predictors
Exclusive research from Henley and Partners for the Henley Passport Index into the predictors of passport strength highlights the key structural factors that underpin a powerful passport, including reciprocity in visa policies, proactive foreign relations, economic status, and tourism-led openness.
Countries that actively negotiate visa waivers and build cooperative ties tend to expand travel freedom for their citizens. The research also shows that political and economic stability, combined with a high degree of openness to foreign visitors and residents, correlates strongly with sustained gains in passport power – a dynamic the UAE demonstrates in exemplary fashion.
