Henley Passport Index 2025: Where does UAE rank in the Arab world?
The United Arab Emirates, with access to 185 destinations, remains in the global top 10
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again solidified its position as a leader in global mobility, ranking 10th in the 2025 Henley Passport Index for the second consecutive year.
It remains the only Arab nation in the top 10, reflecting its success in expanding international travel options for its citizens.
Emirati passport holders now enjoy visa-free access to 185 destinations, a significant achievement that highlights the country's focus on strengthening diplomatic ties and enhancing global partnerships.
In 2015, UAE passport holders had visa-free access to just 113 destinations. Over the past decade, this number has grown by 72.
Who tops the global rankings?
Singapore reclaimed the top spot in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, offering its citizens visa-free travel to 195 destinations.
Japan, which previously held the leading position, dropped to second place with 193 destinations.
The third position is shared by Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Finland, and South Korea, each granting access to 192 destinations.
The United States ranks 9th with 186 destinations, while the UAE shares 10th place with Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia.
Global mobility trends
The Henley Passport Index for 2025 highlights significant shifts in global mobility. Traditional leaders like the United States and the United Kingdom have seen notable declines over the years. The US, which ranked 2nd in 2015, now holds 9th place. Similarly, the UK, once at the top, has slipped to 5th place.
South Asian countries continue to show mixed results in the mobility rankings. India has climbed to 80th place, providing visa-free access to 59 destinations. In contrast, Pakistan ranks 100th, offering its citizens visa-free access to only 35 destinations.
At the lower end of the rankings, Afghanistan remains in the last position, with its citizens having visa-free access to just 27 destinations.
Henley Passport Index 2025
The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa. The data is sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and updated to reflect changes in visa agreements and diplomatic relationships.