UAE Passport Tops 2026 Global Ranking With 182 Destinations

The UAE passport has secured first place in Arton Capital’s 2026 Passport Index, achieving a global mobility score of 182 destinations and placing the Emirates ahead of Singapore, Malaysia and several major European countries. According to the latest rankings published in October 2026, Emirati citizens can access 182 destinations through visa free travel, visas on arrival and simplified electronic entry arrangements. The achievement reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading country for international travel mobility and reflects its expanding travel connections worldwide.

UAE Passport Takes First Place in Global Passport Index 2026

The UAE passport ranking for 2026 places the Emirates at the top of Arton Capital’s Global Passport Power Rank, which measures how easily citizens can travel internationally without obtaining a conventional visa before departure.

With a mobility score of 182, the UAE leads Singapore and Malaysia, which share second place with scores of 175 destinations each. Spain follows in third position with 174, while several European countries and Japan share fourth place with 173.

The seven destination advantage over Singapore and Malaysia highlights the UAE’s strong international travel access. The ranking also places the Emirati passport above those of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States, according to the same index.

The results reflect the UAE’s continued efforts to strengthen international cooperation and facilitate global travel for Emirati citizens.

How Many Countries Can UAE Passport Holders Visit Without a Visa?

While the UAE’s overall mobility score stands at 182 destinations, the figure does not mean that all 182 are accessible entirely without a visa.

According to the official UAE Passport Index dashboard, the current breakdown includes 128 destinations with visa free access, 44 offering visas on arrival and 10 accessible through electronic travel authorisations. Another 16 destinations require a visa that must be arranged in advance.

Some published ranking summaries combine the visa free and electronic authorisation categories, presenting a figure of 138 destinations. However, the full mobility score includes several types of simplified travel arrangements rather than visa exemptions alone.

This distinction is important for travellers planning international journeys, as entry requirements may differ depending on the destination, purpose of travel and duration of stay.

World’s Most Powerful Passports in 2026

The latest Global Passport Power Rank 2026 highlights the international mobility available to citizens of different countries.

The ranking demonstrates the UAE’s position ahead of several countries traditionally associated with strong international travel access. However, passport rankings can differ between organisations because they use different methodologies and destination classifications.

How Arton Capital Calculates Passport Rankings

The Passport Index, developed by Arton Capital, is an interactive global ranking platform that tracks passport mobility using regularly updated information about international entry requirements.

Unlike rankings published only at fixed intervals, the platform updates its data when countries introduce new visa exemptions, modify entry policies or establish alternative travel arrangements.

The index considers passports from 193 United Nations member states and six additional territories, bringing the total to 199. Its mobility score incorporates visa free entry, visas on arrival, electronic travel authorisations and certain electronic visas issued within three days.

When passports have identical mobility scores, the methodology considers their visa free and visa on arrival access. Additional criteria, including the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Index, are used for individual passport rankings.

Travellers can explore the full methodology and compare countries through the official Passport Index website.

What the Ranking Means for Emirati Travellers

The UAE’s position in the 2026 passport rankings provides an indication of the international travel opportunities available to Emirati citizens. Easier entry arrangements can simplify travel planning, reduce administrative requirements and support international tourism, business travel and cultural exchange.

The rankings also highlight the importance of diplomatic relationships and visa agreements in facilitating movement between countries. As international travel regulations evolve, passport mobility scores can change throughout the year.c

Despite the UAE’s leading position, travellers are advised to confirm destination specific immigration requirements before departure, as simplified entry arrangements may still involve electronic approvals, passport validity conditions or other documentation.

UAE Strengthens Its Position in Global Travel Mobility

The UAE passport’s first place ranking in the 2026 Passport Index represents another milestone in the country’s international travel connectivity. With access to 182 destinations under the index’s mobility criteria, Emirati citizens benefit from a broad range of travel options across different regions.

As governments continue to introduce digital travel authorisations and update visa policies, the international mobility landscape is expected to evolve further. For now, the UAE remains the highest ranked passport in Arton Capital’s 2026 Global Passport Power Rank, reflecting the country’s strong standing in international travel accessibility.