UAE

UAE passport ranked world’s most powerful for eighth consecutive year in 2026

Emirati passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 182 destinations, reinforcing global mobility leadership

By Mustafa Darwish Published: 2026-05-19T16:22:00+04:00 2 min read
The Emirati passport has held the top position since 2018. This continued progress underscores its dominance at a time when many countries are experiencing reduced travel freedom. For UAE citizens, this translates into fewer visa requirements, smoother business travel, and easier leisure trips without lengthy administrative procedures.
The Emirati passport has held the top position since 2018. This continued progress underscores its dominance at a time when many countries are experiencing reduced travel freedom. For UAE citizens, this translates into fewer visa requirements, smoother business travel, and easier leisure trips without lengthy administrative procedures.

Dubai: The UAE passport has maintained its position as the world’s most powerful passport in 2026 for the eighth consecutive year, according to the Arton Capital Passport Index. It allows Emirati citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 182 destinations worldwide.

Latest data shows the UAE has further strengthened its global ranking this year, reaching 182 accessible destinations—the highest score ever recorded on the index, according to Curly Tales.

The Emirati passport has held the top position since 2018. This continued progress underscores its dominance at a time when many countries are experiencing reduced travel freedom. For UAE citizens, this translates into fewer visa requirements, smoother business travel, and easier leisure trips without lengthy administrative procedures.

The UAE’s rise has been remarkable. Less than a decade ago, the passport was ranked 88th globally. Today, it sits firmly in first place.

Singapore ranked second with a score of 175, while European countries continue to dominate many of the top positions.

Countries such as Spain, France, Belgium, and Denmark have maintained strong rankings. Meanwhile, some Asian passports have declined despite the region’s economic growth, with Japan and South Korea each dropping four places this year. Overall, global mobility trends suggest increasing travel restrictions.

Previously accessible destinations have also become more restrictive. Countries including Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand have seen declines in traveller accessibility due to stricter visa policies.

Top 10 most powerful passports in 2026

1) United Arab Emirates

2) Singapore, Spain

3) Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Malaysia, Norway, Ireland

4) Malta, Poland, Hungary, Latvia, South Korea, Japan

5) Romania, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Estonia

6) Cyprus, Lithuania

7) United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, New Zealand

8) Canada, Iceland, Australia

9)_United States, Monaco

10) Hong Kong