The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently been ranked in the Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in the World according to the Henley Passport Index. The country has secured the 9th position with a visa-free score of 185 countries and territories. This drastic climb in the ranking, moving from 62nd place to 9th, is due to the addition of 152 destinations since the index’s inception in 2006. The Henley Passport Index is known for being the original and authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa.
The CEO of Henley and Partners, Dr. Juerg Steffen, attributes the UAE’s impressive ascent in the ranking to the deliberate efforts by the Emirati government to position the country as a global hub for business, tourism, and investment. He also highlights the strong correlation between a country’s visa-free score and its economic prosperity, with nations having higher visa-free access tending to enjoy greater GDP per capita, increased foreign direct investment, and more robust international trade relationships. This recognition speaks volumes about the UAE’s efforts to enhance its global standing.
Singapore currently holds the top spot in the ranking, with its citizens having access to 195 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain are tied for second place, with each country having visa-free access to 192 destinations. The third spot is crowded with seven countries, including Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden, all enjoying access to 191 destinations without a prior visa. Other countries in the top 10 ranking include the UK, Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Canada, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, the US, Estonia, Lithuania, Iceland, Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
The Henley Passport Index includes data on 199 passports and 227 travel destinations. Passports are ranked based on their visa-free access to these destinations, with a score of 1 assigned for no visa requirement, visa on arrival, visitor’s permit, or an electronic travel authority. A score of 0 is assigned if a visa is required or if pre-departure government approval is needed for a visa on arrival. The total score for each passport is determined by the number of destinations for which no visa is required, showcasing the ease of travel for its holders. The complete rankings can be found on the Henley Passport Index website.
The UAE’s remarkable climb in the Henley Passport Index is a testament to its efforts towards global prominence in business, tourism, and investment. With a visa-free score of 185 countries and territories, the country has firmly secured its position in the Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in the World. This recognition reflects the strong correlation between visa-free access and economic prosperity, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its standing on the world stage. With Singapore leading the pack, the UAE stands tall among nations with the most powerful passports, enabling its citizens to explore the world with ease and convenience.
