UAE Rises to 8th Place in Global Passport Rankings as Mobility Landscape Shifts

The United Arab Emirates has made a significant leap in global mobility rankings, securing the 8th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, a rise of 34 places over the past decade. The UAE is the only major country to break into the Top 10, a move attributed to its active visa diplomacy and expanding international ties.

According to the Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on the number of destinations holders can access without a prior visa, UAE citizens now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 destinations, up from 106 in 2015. The Index is compiled using exclusive IATA data and reflects long-term trends in global mobility and diplomatic engagement.

China mirrored the UAE’s rise, also climbing 34 places over the decade to reach 60th position, despite lacking visa-free access to the Schengen Area. These changes signal a broader global shift, where emerging economies are reaping the rewards of strategic foreign policy and liberalised visa frameworks.

Asia Dominates the Rankings
Singapore remains the world’s most powerful passport in 2025, offering access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow closely, each with visa-free entry to 190 countries. European nations form the backbone of the Top 5, with seven EU members tied for third place, each granting access to 189 destinations.

New Zealand is the only non-European or Asian country in the top tier, tied in fifth place with Greece and Switzerland at 187 destinations.

Western Decline and Emerging Powers
In contrast, several traditional Western powerhouses are losing ground. The United States has dropped to 10th place, offering access to 182 countries, while the United Kingdom stands in 6th place with 186. Both countries once held the top spot within the last decade.

India has seen a recent improvement, jumping eight places to 77th, despite only adding two new visa-free destinations. Saudi Arabia also made gains, adding four countries to its list and rising to 54th.

“The consolidation we’re seeing at the top underscores that access is earned through active diplomacy,” said Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners. “Nations that nurture reciprocal agreements and engage internationally continue to rise.”

China’s Expanding Visa Openness
China’s gains are bolstered by its openness policy. As of 2025, it allows visa-free entry to citizens from 75 countries — a dramatic increase from just 20 five years ago. Gulf states, including the UAE, as well as several South American and European nations, are among the new beneficiaries of this policy.

This aligns with Beijing’s broader strategy to attract tourists, investors, and global partners, reinforcing the growing influence of Asia and the Middle East in mobility rankings.

Geopolitical Implications
The shifting passport hierarchy reflects changing geopolitical dynamics. Countries like Venezuela, the US, and the UK have seen noticeable declines, while rising powers pursue aggressive diplomatic outreach.

“The passport is now a symbol of a nation’s global relationships and strategic strength,” said Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners. “Mobility and citizenship planning have never been more vital in an era of geopolitical uncertainty.”

Meanwhile, air travel demand is also booming. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 5.8% rise in global travel demand in the first five months of 2025, with Asia-Pacific carriers leading the way.