The UAE passport has climbed to the eighth position globally, offering visa-free access to 184 destinations — surpassing the United States and Canada, according to the latest global passport index.
The United States has fallen out of the top ten for the first time in two decades, ranking 12th with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180 countries. This marks a sharp decline from its top position in 2014 and reflects a shift in global mobility and soft power, as nations emphasizing openness and cooperation advance.
Asian countries continue to dominate the index. Singapore leads the list with visa-free access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea with 190 and Japan with 189. European countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland share fourth place with access to 188 destinations.
The UAE’s steady rise highlights its expanding diplomatic outreach and global partnerships. Since 2006, the UAE has increased its visa-free access by 151 countries, reflecting significant growth in travel freedom and international relations.
