UAE passport now ranks 8th most powerful passport in the world

Over the past ten years, the UAE passport has climbed 34 places in the Henley Passport Index, reaching eighth place globally by mid-2025 — the highest ranking ever achieved by an Arab country. According to the index, which is produced in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association, the UAE passport allows its holders to travel to 183 destinations worldwide without needing a visa in advance. This reflects the country’s growing diplomatic influence and the increasing openness of its foreign policy.

Singapore topped the global rankings, with its citizens able to access 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea were tied for second place, with access to 190 countries. Third place was occupied by seven European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.

Since 2015, the UAE passport has risen dramatically, moving from 42nd place to 8th in just a decade. This remarkable progress is largely due to the UAE’s successful visa waiver agreements with dozens of countries, including China, which recently granted visa-free entry to citizens of all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The UAE’s advancement in the index highlights its commitment to global engagement and strengthening diplomatic relations to benefit its citizens — offering them greater travel freedom and wider access to international opportunities.

In contrast, passports that were once considered among the world’s most powerful — such as those of the United States and the United Kingdom — have dropped to tenth and sixth place respectively, due to the implementation of more restrictive entry policies. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the index, with visa-free access to only 25 destinations. 

In April, the UAE passport has occupied the 10th position globally among the most powerful passports for 2025, according to Tax and Immigration consultancy firm "Nomad Capitalist."

The passport scored 106.50 points based on criteria such as travel freedom, tax aspects, global perception, dual citizenship possibilities, and personal freedoms.

The ranking assessed travel freedom using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Henley Passport Index, and news sources.

The total score was calculated based on the number of countries UAE passport holders can enter without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or via an electronic travel authorisation.

According to the report, the UAE scored 40 points in the tax system ranking, as it does not impose income tax on residents, making it an attractive destination for investors and businessmen seeking a flexible tax system.

The Irish passport topped the 2025 ranking, becoming the world's strongest passport for the first time, while European countries dominated most of the top 10 positions, with Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Malta securing advanced ranks.