UAE Passport Ranks No. 1 in 2026 Passport Index, With Access to 182 Destinations

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has retained the top position in Arton Capital’s 2026 Passport Index, with Emirati passport holders able to access 182 destinations under visa-free and other simplified entry arrangements.

The latest ranking places the UAE ahead of Singapore and Malaysia, which share second place with mobility scores of 175, while Spain follows with 174, according to the index’s current figures.

The Passport Index is updated in real time as countries change their entry requirements, meaning scores and positions can shift. Its live rankings should therefore be distinguished from reports based on earlier versions of the index.

The UAE’s mobility score of 182 comprises 138 destinations offering visa-free access and 44 providing other qualifying simplified entry arrangements. A further 16 destinations fall outside these categories, according to the current Passport Index data.

The score does not mean Emirati travellers can enter all 182 destinations without any entry formalities.

Visa-free access generally means travellers do not need to obtain a visa before departure. Other arrangements may include visas on arrival or electronic travel authorizations, which can involve applications, fees or additional requirements. Electronic visas may also be subject to specific processing conditions.

For travellers, the distinction is important. Even when a passport offers simplified access, visitors must comply with destination-specific rules covering permitted stays, passport validity, proof of onward travel and other documentation.

The UAE’s position reflects years of efforts to expand international mobility through diplomatic engagement and visa-waiver agreements. The country has held the leading position in Arton Capital’s Passport Index since 2018, according to the index and media reports.

In February 2026, the UAE signed a reciprocal visa-waiver agreement with Papua New Guinea. The agreement allows eligible passport holders to visit for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, subject to its terms and conditions.

The UAE’s progress illustrates how sustained diplomatic engagement and bilateral agreements can expand the travel options available to citizens. However, a passport’s mobility score reflects access to destinations under defined entry arrangements, rather than an unrestricted right to enter or reside in another country.

Although the UAE leads Arton Capital’s 2026 Passport Index, other passport rankings use different methodologies and can produce different results.

The Henley Passport Index, which draws on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranked Singapore first in its January 2026 ranking. In its July 2026 update, the UAE was placed joint second alongside Japan and South Korea.

These differences do not necessarily mean that one ranking is incorrect. Each index applies its own methodology to assess international travel access, and the results may also reflect different update schedules and data sources.

A powerful passport can make international travel easier by reducing visa application costs, paperwork and uncertainty. It can also facilitate business trips, tourism and short visits to destinations that might otherwise require advance visa applications.

For governments, passport mobility rankings provide one measure of the international access their citizens enjoy and the outcomes of diplomatic engagement.

The UAE’s continued lead in Arton Capital’s index highlights its sustained expansion of global travel access. For travellers, however, the practical value of any passport ultimately depends on the rules governing their intended destination. Checking official entry requirements before departure remains essential, even for holders of the world’s highest-ranked passports.