UAE passport recognized as one of the strongest in the world

According to the Henley Passport Index released on Tuesday, the UAE's passport has secured a spot in the Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in the World.

The nation is in 9th position with a score of 185 countries and territories where visas are not required.
Since the index was first introduced in 2006, the UAE has surged an impressive 53 spots in the ranking, going from 62nd to its current 9th position, thanks to the addition of 152 destinations.

The Henley Passport Index ranks all the world’s passports based on the number of destinations they allow access without a visa. The index relies on unique data from the International Air Transport Association (Iata) - the biggest travel information database analyzed by Henley and Partners' research team.

The rapid rise of the UAE is the outcome of intentional efforts by the Emirati government to establish the country as a worldwide center for business, tourism, and investment, stated Dr Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley and Partners.
He said that our studies have consistently found a significant link between a nation's visa-free score and its economic success. Countries with higher visa-free scores typically experience higher GDP per capita, increased foreign direct investment, and stronger international trade relationships.

Who is in possession of the leading position?

Singapore has regained its position as the top country with the "world's most powerful passport" in the most recent ranking, giving its citizens visa-free access to 195 out of 227 travel destinations globally.

France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain are now tied for 2nd place, all with 192 destinations accessible without a visa.
Seven countries have access to 191 destinations without needing a visa, making the third spot in the pack crowded. The countries listed are Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden.
The countries ranking fourth with a visa-free destination score of 190 are the UK, Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland.

Australia and Portugal are tied for 5th place, both having access to 189 destinations.

Rounding up Top 10

Greece and Poland tie for 6th place with a score of 188, while Canada, Czechia, Hungary, and Malta are in 7th place with access to 187 countries and territories.

On the other hand, the United States has been consistently moving lower on the index for the past ten years, slipping to 8th place, with entry without a visa available for 186 locations. The UK and US, which were once top passport holders, shared the number one spot on the index in 2014.

The 9th place is currently experiencing a three-way tie. In addition to the UAE, residents of Estonia and Lithuania can travel to 185 destinations without needing a visa.

Four nations are tied for 10th place with a total of 184 points. Iceland, Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia are included in the list.

Iceland, Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia round out the top 10 with a total of 184 points each.
The Henley Passport Index consists of 199 diverse passports and 227 distinct travel destinations. You can find the full rankings on its website.

The way passports are categorized: 

The Henley Passport Index evaluates how many countries 199 passports can access without a visa, across 227 destinations. A passport that doesn't need a visa will be assigned a score of 1.

The same is true for visa on arrival (VOA), visitor's permit, or electronic travel authority (ETA) when arriving at the destination.

A score of 0 is given in cases where a visa is necessary or when a passport holder must get an approved electronic visa (e-Visa) before traveling. This is also relevant if you require government approval before departure for a visa upon arrival. Each passport's overall score is determined by the number of destinations where a visa is not needed (score = 1).

Travel with confidence—enjoy the benefits of the UAE passport, one of the strongest in the world. Apply now, unlock global opportunities! And stay updated with Just Dubai to get the latest news.