Henley Passport Index 2026: Complete List of Visa-Free Destinations for UAE Nationals

The United Arab Emirates passport has been able to advance to another milestone in the Henley Passport Index 2026 with the ranking of 5th place worldwide. The UAE is ranked among the most powerful passports in the world, and is the strongest passport in the Middle East.

The UAE has risen 57 positions to become the fastest performer in recent times, taking its long-term uplift of 57 positions to 146th place since the creation of the Henley Passport Index in 2006. Emirati citizens currently have visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival and electronic travel authorization (ETA) for travel to 184 countries around the world.

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Why Is the UAE Passport Ranked Among the World’s Strongest?

Based on the Henley Passport Index 2026 which rates passports by how many countries the passport owner can visit without needing a conventional visa to enter, this allows them to enter without requiring one to visit a country.

Through continued diplomatic efforts, bilateral agreements and strategic international partnerships, the UAE has greatly broadened the opportunities available for Emirati citizens to travel. The agreements fast-track tourism, business travel and foreign investment, as well as international mobility.

Visa-Free Access Across Europe

Europe is a region that is still proving to be the most appealing to UAE tourists. Nearly all of the continent is visa free for an Emirati following taxi transfer.

Schengen Countries

The UAE nationals will be granted visa-free entry to the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Non-Schengen European Destinations

Additional destinations include:

The United Kingdom (under ETA) and Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Ireland, Kosovo, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Ukraine and Vatican City.

Visa-Free Travel Across the Americas

With a UAE passport you will have unrestricted rights across North America, Central America and across South America and the Caribbean.

North and Central America

Commonly visited countries are: Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.

South America

Emirati passport holders are also allowed to enter Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela without having to get a traditional visa.

Caribbean Destinations

Some countries such as The Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago are visa free.

Asia and Middle East Travel Benefits

UAE Passport gives wide access throughout Asia and neighboring Middle Eastern countries.

GCC Freedom of Movement

The UAE citizens have free movement through: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Northeast, East and Southeast Asia

Popular countries of interest are: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Mongolia.

South and Central Asia

Other countries include Tourism Facilitation Facilities (TFF) of Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Maldives and Sri Lanka.

African Destinations Open to UAE Nationals

Still, Africa is gaining more and more travel opportunities for the UAE, with a significant number of existing joint travel ventures still mushrooming.

Visa-Free African Countries

Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, and Gabon are popular destinations.

Visa-on-Arrival and eVisa Countries

Passport readers are equipped to easily secure entry for Tanzania, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique among others.

Oceania’s Growing Accessibility

Access to many countries around Oceania too is included on the UAE passport. Proceeds which go toward funding the program include the islands of Australia (ETA), New Zealand, Fiji, Samoaua, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Palau, Kiribati and Micronesia.

The popularity of these island places is steadily on the rise in the UAE and are a favourite choice for unique travel experiences among Emirati tourists.

What Does This Ranking Means for UAE Citizens?

The improved passport gives them travel liberty, lesser administrative processes and better opportunity to undertake international business and tourism.

Entrepreneurs, investors and frequent travelers appreciate the ability to enter into important global markets without hassle much longer visa queues. It will also boost UAE’s positioning as a country with global horizons and good international relations.

FAQs

According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, what’s the position of the UAE passport in the index?

The UAE passport has been ranked 5th among the strongest passports in the world in Henley Passport Index 2026, it is also the best passport in the Middle East region.

Passport holders of UAE can obtain visas to how many destinations without going through visa procedure?

There are 184 countries which provide UAE citizens with visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival or electronic travel authorization (ETA) options.

Are UAE citizens required to obtain a visa for countries in the GCC?

Yes, UAE citizens are allowed movement in GCC countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.

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