UAE passport world’s most powerful for the 4th consecutive year

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The United Arab Emirates has retained its position as the most powerful passport for the fourth consecutive year, according to the Passport Index. It has achieved a total score of 180 points, which enables its citizens to access more than 90% of the world's countries.

A total of 133 countries accept UAE passports without the need for a visa, while 47 countries offer the option of obtaining a visa upon arrival. In contrast, only 18 countries require that visas be arranged in advance.

Spain was placed second on the list, having achieved a total of 179 points, which was sufficient to place it ahead of Germany. Spanish citizens are permitted to enter 134 countries without a visa, and are able to obtain visas on arrival in 45 countries. However, they are required to obtain advance visas for 19 countries, which places them behind the UAE in terms of ease of access.

The rankings continued to be dominated by European countries, occupying the top 18 positions. Finland was placed ahead of France and Italy in third place, while France, with 178 points, maintained its position as the strongest passport among the G20 countries.

There is no doubt that Kosovo is now the top contender. It has achieved a remarkable 35-point increase in the index, mainly due to its accession to the Schengen Area earlier this year.

Both the United States and the United Kingdom experienced a decline in their respective rankings. The United Kingdom, which was ranked within the top 10 in 2017, experienced a decline in its ranking, falling to 32nd place after losing 10 places.

Similarly, the US passport declined from 27th place in the previous year to 38th place in 2024, thereby becoming the least powerful passport among the G7 countries. Meanwhile, the Chinese passport was placed at 110th position.