The United Arab Emirates has once again emerged as a global leader, retaining its position as the holder of the world’s strongest passport for the fourth consecutive year, according to the latest Passport Index rankings. With an impressive score of 180, the UAE passport grants its citizens unparalleled global mobility, allowing access to over 90% of the world’s countries.
Exceptional Global Access for UAE Citizens
Out of the 198 countries that issue visas, UAE passport holders can travel to 133 destinations visa-free and obtain visas on arrival in 47 countries. Only 18 destinations require pre-arranged visas for Emirati citizens. This exceptional level of access highlights the UAE’s diplomatic efforts and its focus on building strong international relations.
Global Rankings: UAE Outpaces Spain and Germany
Spain secured second place in the rankings with a score of 179, slightly trailing the UAE. Spanish citizens enjoy visa-free access to 134 countries, visas on arrival in 45, and require pre-arranged visas for 19. Germany, another consistent top performer, was pushed to third place by Spain this year.
European nations dominated the rankings, occupying the top 18 spots. Finland climbed to third place, overtaking both France and Italy. France, with a score of 178, retained its title as the strongest passport among G20 countries.
Notable Movers in the 2024 Rankings
Kosovo made headlines as the standout climber, adding 35 mobility points to its score due to its recent entry into the Schengen Zone. This milestone significantly enhanced its citizens’ travel freedom and placed Kosovo among the year’s most improved nations.
In contrast, major players like the United Kingdom and the United States experienced notable declines. The UK dropped to 32nd place, down 10 spots from the previous year, while the US slipped from 27th to 38th, marking it as the weakest passport among G7 nations. China ranked 110th, highlighting the disparity in global mobility across regions.
GCC Nations in the Spotlight
Among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Qatar ranked 95th, offering its citizens visa-free access to 76 destinations and visas on arrival in 44. Kuwait followed in 96th place (62 visa-free, 50 visa-on-arrival), while Saudi Arabia ranked 100th (57 visa-free, 46 visa-on-arrival). These rankings underline the UAE’s unparalleled success in enhancing its citizens’ global mobility compared to its regional counterparts.
Diplomatic Excellence Behind the UAE’s Success
The UAE’s remarkable performance in the passport rankings underscores its strategic diplomatic initiatives and global partnerships. Its forward-thinking policies and emphasis on fostering international cooperation have not only bolstered the nation’s global reputation but also elevated the quality of life for its citizens.
As the UAE continues to set benchmarks in global mobility, it reaffirms its position as a leader in international diplomacy and innovation, ensuring that Emiratis remain among the world’s most privileged travelers.