UAE passport climbs to No.5 on Henley Index with access to 184 destinations
“The UAE has reached fifth place on the Henley Passport Index, offering access to 184 destinations.”
Key points
- The UAE has reached fifth place on the Henley Passport Index, offering access to 184 destinations.
- The ranking highlights a sharp rise since 2015 and contrasts regional passport standings, including Pakistan’s placement.
The United Arab Emirates has moved into fifth place on the Henley Passport Index, with UAE passport holders now able to travel to 184 destinations visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access.
The Henley Passport Index, compiled by a UK-based institution, ranks passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter without securing a visa in advance. Geo.tv reported that the index is widely used as a benchmark for comparing passport strength worldwide.
According to the report, the UAE’s rise has been steep over the past decade. Since 2015, the Emirati passport has jumped 37 positions—from 42nd to 5th—an increase attributed to the country’s diplomatic efforts that broadened travel access for citizens.
The report also referenced other rankings in the table, including the UK’s position at seventh (tied with Australia) and Russia’s at 46th. It noted that Saudi Arabia ranked 54th, while Pakistan was listed at 98th, with access to 66 destinations.
Henley’s top-ten list for 2026 places Singapore first (192 destinations), followed by Japan and South Korea (188), with several European countries clustered close behind in the mid-180s range.
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