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The United Arab Emirates has recorded the strongest long-term rise of any country on the Henley Passport Index, climbing an unprecedented 57 places over the past two decades to rank 5th globally in 2026
According to 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) - 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, the largest gain recorded by any country in the index’s history.
The UAE has consistently strengthened its passport power through sustained diplomatic engagement, strategic visa policy, and the expansion of bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
“The UAE’s rise on the Henley Passport Index is without parallel,” said Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners and creator of the index. “It 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.”
The 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 achievement underscores the UAE’s emergence as a global leader in building constructive international relationships across regions, reflected directly in the breadth of visa-free access granted to its citizens.
Commenting on the ranking, His Excellency Omar Obaid Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: “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.
H.E. Al Shamsi added: “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.”
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.
“A record number of people are expected to travel in 2026. The unequivocal economic and social benefits generated by this travel grow as it becomes more accessible,” said Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA. “As many governments look to more tightly secure their borders, technological advances such as digital ID and digital passports should not be overlooked by policymakers. Convenient travel and secure borders are possible.”
Exclusive research from Henley & Partners 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.
“Passport strength is not accidental - it is built by a clear vision and policy,” Dr. Kaelin added. “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 especially, 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.”
Ends.
Notes to Editors
About the 2026 Henley Passport Index
With cutting-edge expert commentary and historical data spanning over 20 years, the Henley Passport Index is the original ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
Originally created by Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, the ranking is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information, and it is enhanced by extensive, ongoing research by the Henley & Partners Research Department.
Along with the Kälin – Kochenov Quality of Nationality Index, it is considered a major tool for global citizens and the standard reference for government policy in this field.
About the Henley Global Mobility Report
The Henley Global Mobility Report is a unique annual publication that brings together commentary from leading academics and professional experts on the major and emerging trends in global and regional mobility today.
Grounded in geopolitical analysis and with a focus on the realities shaping our world, the report offers exclusive insight into mobility and migration patterns and looks at what we can expect in the months to come.
About Henley & Partners
Henley & Partners is the global leader in residence and citizenship planning. Each year, hundreds of wealthy individuals and their advisors rely on our expertise and experience in this area. The firm’s highly qualified professionals work together as one team in over 70 offices worldwide.
The concept of residence and citizenship planning was created by Henley & Partners in the 1990s. As globalization has expanded, residence and citizenship have become topics of significant interest among the increasing number of internationally mobile entrepreneurs and investors whom we proudly serve every day.
Henley & Partners also runs the world’s leading government advisory practice for wealth migration, which has raised more than USD 15 billion in foreign direct investment. Trusted by governments, the firm has been involved in strategic consulting and in the design, set-up, and operation of the world’s most successful residence and citizenship programs.
Media Contact
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Nicklin
Group Head of Public Relations & Communications
Henley & Partners
sarah.nicklin@henleyglobal.com
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