VizaThe UAE passport has made one of the most dramatic rises in passport history — now top 15 globally with visa-free access to 179+ destinations. Here's the full list.
The UAE passport ranks in the global top 15-17, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 179 destinations — a number that was in the 50s just a decade ago. This dramatic rise reflects one of the most successful passport diplomacy campaigns in history, driven by the UAE government's deliberate strategy of expanding bilateral visa waiver agreements.
Europe — Schengen Area
UAE passport holders can enter all 27 Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days per 180-day period. ETIAS (€7, 3-year validity) is required before travel, but this is a simple online authorisation that takes minutes.
Countries include: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, and more.
United Kingdom
UAE citizens can visit the UK visa-free for up to 6 months. UK ETA (£10) is required before travel.
United States and Canada
- USA: Visa-free under Visa Waiver Program. ESTA required ($21, valid 2 years), stays of up to 90 days.
- Canada: Visa-free. eTA required (CAD $7, valid 5 years).
This is a significant recent achievement — UAE passport holders were added to the US Visa Waiver Program in 2024, a landmark for Gulf passport holders.
Asia
- Japan: Visa-free, up to 30 days
- South Korea: Visa-free, up to 30 days
- Singapore: Visa-free, up to 30 days
- Malaysia: Visa-free, up to 30 days
- Thailand: Visa-free, up to 30 days
- Indonesia: Visa-free, up to 30 days
- Hong Kong: Visa-free, up to 30 days
- Taiwan: Visa-free, up to 30 days
- Philippines: Visa-free, up to 30 days
Americas
- Brazil: Visa-free, up to 90 days
- Argentina: Visa-free, up to 90 days
- Mexico: Visa-free, up to 180 days
- Colombia: Visa-free, up to 90 days
- Chile: Visa-free, up to 90 days
- Peru: Visa-free, up to 183 days
- Ecuador: Visa-free, up to 90 days
Africa
- Morocco: Visa-free, up to 90 days
- Tunisia: Visa-free, up to 90 days
- South Africa: Visa-free, up to 30 days
- Seychelles: Visa-free on arrival
- Mauritius: Visa-free, up to 90 days
- Egypt: Visa on arrival
- Kenya: eVisa available
- Tanzania: eVisa available
GCC Freedom of Movement
UAE passport holders (and Emirates ID holders) enjoy complete free movement across all Gulf Cooperation Council states — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar — using just their Emirates ID card, no passport required.
Where UAE Citizens Still Need a Visa
The list is short but includes notable destinations:
- India: eVisa available online (straightforward, approved quickly)
- China: Visa required — apply through Chinese consulate
- Russia: Visa required
Why the UAE Passport Rose So Fast
Three main factors explain the UAE's extraordinary rise:
1. Active bilateral diplomacy: The UAE government has made passport power a national priority, instructing diplomatic missions worldwide to pursue visa waiver agreements. Deals with Latin American, African, and Pacific Island nations in particular have been signed rapidly.
2. Low overstay risk: UAE citizens statistically have very low overstay rates abroad. This reassures foreign governments that visa waivers will not be abused.
3. Reciprocity leverage: The UAE hosts one of the world's busiest airports (Dubai International) and grants relatively easy tourist visas to visitors from over 100 countries. This creates strong reciprocity leverage in negotiations.
UAE vs Other Gulf Passports
Among Gulf passports, the UAE is the strongest by a significant margin. Qatar ranks approximately 55th, Bahrain around 65th, and Kuwait and Oman below that. Saudi Arabia has been climbing rapidly but remains well below the UAE.
The gap reflects the UAE's earlier start in bilateral diplomacy and its more open approach to inbound tourism, which facilitates reciprocal deals.
Requirements based on UAE GDRFA, IATA Travel Centre, and official government sources.
VizaHunt Editorial Team
Visa & Travel Research
The VizaHunt editorial team researches visa policies, passport rankings, and travel regulations across 195 countries. Our data is sourced from official government immigration portals, bilateral treaty records, and embassy publications, cross-referenced for accuracy before publication.