Most powerful worldwide, UAE passport opens door to 128 countries without prior visa
- Last updated: June 3, 2026 | 17:25
The UAE passport continues to strengthen its international standing as one of the world’s most powerful passports, with the latest passport power indicators showing that the UAE ranks first globally in terms of passport strength, with a global access level of up to 91 per cent of the countries of the world.
According to data of international mobility indicators published by Passport Index, the UAE passport allows its holders access to 182 destinations around the world through various travel systems, while more than 128 countries can be entered without the need for a prior visa and dozens of other countries provide visas on arrival or simplified electronic travel permits.
This advanced ranking reflects the extensive network of diplomatic relations that the UAE has built over the past years as well as the mutual visa exemption agreements it has concluded with many countries worldwide.
The term ‘visa-free travel’ refers to the ability to enter the destination country directly without needing to apply for a visa beforehand.
On the other hand, a ‘visa on arrival’ means that the traveller receives an entry permit immediately upon arrival at the airport or border crossing in the host country, significantly reducing time and paperwork.
In some countries, only an Electronic Advance Authorisation (ETA) is required, which can be obtained online within minutes.
Emiratis can travel to most European Union and Schengen countries without a prior visa for short stays for tourism or business purposes, with the possibility of staying for up to 90 days.
The most prominent Schengen countries available to Emiratis include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Czech Republic, Croatia, Belgium, Norway and Iceland.
The advantages of the UAE passport are not limited to Schengen countries. Emiratis can enter a number of other European countries without a prior visa, with varying lengths of stay. These include Turkey, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Georgia, Armenia, Belarus and Ukraine.
Asia has a large share of destinations available to UAE passport holders, making it one of the most attractive regions for Emirati tourism. These destinations include Japan, South Korea and China. Some of these countries are characterised by flexible entry procedures that allow for relatively long tourist stays compared to other destinations.
The list also includes a number of important tourist and economic destinations in Asia, most notably are Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
The UAE passport also provides easy access to many countries in North and South America and the Caribbean. These include Brazil, Argentina, Chili, Costa Rica, Bahamas and Barbados.
Several African and Pacific countries offer extensive facilities for Emiratis. These include Mauritius, Seychelles, Botswana and Kenya (with some e-permit requirements).
The benefits of easy travel are not limited to Emiratis only, as many residents with valid UAE residency permits benefit from facilitated entry to a large number of countries around the world including popular tourist destinations such as Sri Lanka, Georgia and Armenia.
The great power of the UAE passport gives its holders exceptional flexibility when planning trips and vacations, as the need for lengthy procedures associated with obtaining visas is reduced, allowing for faster and easier travel decisions.
Instead of waiting days or weeks for travel approvals, Emiratis can book their flight and hotel and travel to dozens of global destinations in a short period, whether it is a family trip, a short vacation or a surprise holiday.
Despite visa exemptions in many destinations, Emirati travellers are advised to check the specific entry requirements of each country before traveling, as some countries may require a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket or onward travel ticket, proof of hotel reservation or accommodation and proof of sufficient funds to cover travel expenses.