The UAE passport. ARCHIVE

The UAE passport has retained its ranking as the world’s most powerful passport for 2026, achieving the highest mobility score ever recorded in the history of the Passport Index. According to The Passport Index by Arton Capital, the UAE reached a mobility score of 182, extending its lead at the top of global rankings. The UAE has held the number one position since 2018, reflecting what analysts described as the country’s sustained diplomatic engagement and international mobility strategy. The rise follows the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ UAE Passport Force Initiative launched in 2017. Since then, the country has climbed from 88th place globally to first place in under a decade. Armand Arton, chief executive officer of Arton Capital and co-founder of the Passport Index, said: “This is a standout year for The Passport Index, with record highs achieved by the UAE. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, the UAE remains unshakeable in its relevance on the global stage.” He added: “We anticipate that 2027 will generate even greater disparities in individual passport power due to further global unrest, coupled with tightening restrictions and lower world openness.” The report noted that while Asia continues driving global economic growth, mobility expansion across Asian passports has slowed. Singapore retained second place with a score of 175, while South Korea and Japan both slipped four places. European passports strengthened their dominance in the top 20 rankings, with Luxembourg climbing to fifth place. The report also recorded a continued decline in global openness as more countries tighten visa controls and digitise border entry systems. ICA/Expat Media

2026 Top 5 strongest passports in the world

1. UAE 2. Singapore, Spain 3. Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Malaysia, Norway, Ireland 4. Malta, Poland, Hungary, Latvia, South Korea, Japan 5. Romania, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Estonia CAM/Expat Media
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