UAE Passport Ranks First for Visa-Free Access
A Passport Reports study places the UAE passport at the top of its visa-free access rankings, with the U.S. passport falling outside the top 10.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Middle East
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The United Arab Emirates passport ranked first for visa-free access in a Passport Reports study, with holders able to travel visa-free to 128 countries. The U.S. passport did not rank in the top 10 for visa-free travel.
Why it matters
Passport rankings measure how many destinations citizens can enter without advance visas, which shapes international travel options and mobility. The results reflect differences in visa policies and diplomatic agreements among countries.
The UAE passport's mobility score of 173 out of 200 compares with 153 for the U.S. passport, which ranked 28th in Travel + Leisure's index. Singapore holds 129 visa-free destinations, slightly ahead of the UAE's 128.
The players
Passport Reports
Passport Reports is a publication that ranks passports by visa-free access and mobility score.
Travel + Leisure
Travel + Leisure is a travel magazine that publishes its own passport ranking, which placed the U.S. passport 28th.
The details
UAE passport holders can enter 128 countries visa-free and obtain visas on arrival in 35 others, while 25 destinations, including the United States, require advance visas. Singapore and Japan also rank highly, with Singapore allowing visa-free access to 129 countries and Japan to 114.
Timeline
2022: The U.S. passport reached 12th place, its highest index ranking.
Travel Outlook
The Passport Reports index ranks countries by visa-free access and mobility score, and the U.S. passport's 28th-place standing in Travel + Leisure's ranking shows that the U.S. has fallen from its 2022 high of 12th. Gulf and East Asian passports continue to lead the index.
Travelers holding a U.S. passport should check visa requirements for each destination, since 45 countries require advance visas. Those planning trips should confirm entry rules before booking flights.
The takeaway
Passport strength varies widely, and checking visa requirements before travel can prevent entry problems. Travelers should confirm current rules with official government sources for each destination.
Further reading
For more on destinations across the region, explore Middle East travel coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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