The UAE passport has reaffirmed its position as the world’s most powerful, according to the latest Passport Index by financial consultancy Arton Capital.
Visa-Free Access to 180 Destinations
With an additional point to its global score, UAE passport holders now enjoy visa-free access to 180 destinations worldwide. Recent updates have expanded its reach, granting visa-free entry to 127 countries.
Visa-On-Arrival and eVisa Access
In addition to visa-free entry, 53 countries offer visa-on-arrival or eVisa access for Emiratis. This means UAE citizens can travel to over 90% of the world’s countries with minimal restrictions. Only 18 countries out of the 198 globally recognized require pre-approved visas.
Top Five Passports Globally
The UAE leads the rankings with access to 180 visa-free destinations, followed by:
- Second Place: Spain (179 countries)
- Third Place: A tie among 14 countries, including France, Germany, and Italy (178 countries)
- Fourth Place: Sweden, Poland, and Hungary (177 countries)
- Fifth Place: Czech Republic and South Korea (176 countries)
Introduction of 10-Year Passport Validity
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has introduced a new initiative to issue UAE passports with a validity of up to 10 years for citizens aged 21 and older.
This move is part of the UAE government’s efforts to enhance services and align with national objectives. The 10-year passport reduces the need for frequent renewals, streamlining administrative processes and offering greater convenience for travelers, while improving citizens’ satisfaction by granting them more freedom of movement.
