The United Arab Emirates has topped the international Passport Index 2026, surpassing Singapore, Malaysia, leading European nations, the UK, and the USA. UAE citizens can visit 182 destinations without obtaining a traditional visa in advance.

This was reported by Gulf News, citing the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM). The study was conducted by Arton Capital, which evaluates international travel opportunities for passport holders from various countries.

182 destinations: what the UAE passport offers

According to the Passport Index data for October 2026, the mobility score of the Emirati passport has reached 182 points.

This figure includes:

• 138 destinations with visa-free entry.
• 44 destinations with simplified entry procedures as defined by the index methodology.

Another 16 destinations do not fall into these categories.

Thus, the UAE passport provides access to seven more destinations than the passports of Singapore and Malaysia, and eight more than the Spanish passport.

It is important to note that 182 destinations does not exclusively mean visa-free travel. The score also includes visas on arrival and certain types of electronic authorizations.

Which countries made it into the top ten strongest passports

The UAE's closest competitors are Singapore and Malaysia, which tied for second place with 175 destinations.

In third place is Spain with 174 destinations..

Germany, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Japan, and several other countries tied for fourth place with a score of 173.

The fifth position is held by South Korea, Poland, Malta, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, and Latvia — with 172 destinations each.

In sixth place are Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria with a score of 171.

The UK and Cyprus took seventh place — with 170 destinations.

Canada, New Zealand, and Liechtenstein placed eighth with a score of 169, while Australia and Iceland took ninth with 168.

The US rounded out the top ten with 167 destinations, trailing the Emirates by 15 points on the mobility index.

Why the Emirati passport received a high rating

According to WAM, the UAE's result reflects the country's international standing and the trust placed in it by other nations.

The ranking takes into account the number of destinations accessible to citizens without the need to obtain a traditional visa in advance.

It does not, however, evaluate opportunities for employment, obtaining permanent residency, or acquiring citizenship in other countries.

The primary criterion of the study is the freedom of international travel and the ease of crossing borders.

How the Passport Index is calculated

The international ranking Passport Index, developed by Arton Capital, covers 199 passports: 193 UN member states and six additional territories.

The index calculation takes into account:

• Visa-free entry.
• Visa on arrival.
• Electronic travel authorizations.
• Electronic visas issued within three days.

A unique feature of the platform is real-time data updates. The rankings are revised whenever visa agreements and entry requirements change.

If multiple passports receive the same score, additional criteria are applied, including the ratio of visa-free destinations to countries requiring a visa on arrival.

Do the benefits of a UAE passport extend to residents

The high mobility index applies directly to citizens of the United Arab Emirates.

Foreign nationals residing in Dubai or other emirates on a residence visa continue to use the passports of their home countries.

This also applies to holders of Golden Visa, as well as property owners.

Purchasing a home or obtaining long-term residency does not automatically grant Emirati citizenship or the associated visa-free travel benefits.

Therefore, when planning a move, it is important to distinguish between the conditions for living in the country and the rights granted to its citizens.

What the result means for the UAE's international status

Data from the 2026 Passport Index shows a high level of international mobility for Emirati citizens.

With a score of 182 accessible destinations , the country is ahead of major European states, as well as the UK and the USA.

The result reflects international travel opportunities but is not an assessment of quality of life, the investment appeal of real estate, or the conditions for obtaining residency.