The UAE entered the top 10 and ranked ninth in the Henley Passport Index 2024 of the world's "strongest" passports. Emirati passport holders can freely visit 185 countries without obtaining a visa in advance.
The ranking has been compiled since 2006 based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It analyzes passports from 199 countries and considers 227 tourist destinations.
In 2024, the UAE passport entered the top ten for the first time and shared ninth place with the passports of Estonia and Lithuania.
In 2022 and 2023, the Emirates were in 15th place — their citizens could travel visa-free to 175 and then 178 countries, respectively. Over 10 years, the UAE has risen 46 positions in the ranking — in 2014, they were in 55th place. This demonstrates the successful policy of the country's leadership in strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding travel opportunities for its citizens.
The Emirates have significantly outpaced other countries in the region: Saudi Arabia ranks 56th, and Oman 58th. Their residents have access to 88 and 86 visa-free destinations, respectively.
In 2024, Singapore topped the ranking — its citizens can freely enter 195 countries. France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain are in second place, while Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden are in third. Afghanistan ranks last — its passport allows visa-free travel to only 26 countries.