UAE passport climbs to 11th globally in 2024 ranking

The UAE has achieved a remarkable feat, securing the 11th position on the 2024 Henley Passport Index. Over the past decade, the UAE has emerged as the biggest climber, enhancing its passport power by adding an impressive 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014. This substantial leap catapulted the UAE from the 55th to the 11th position in the global passport ranking.

The current top spot on the Henley Passport Index is shared by six countries: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, and Singapore. These nations lead with visa-free access to a record-breaking 194 destinations out of 227 worldwide. Notably, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain have joined Japan and Singapore as the world's most powerful passports in 2024.

In the second position, South Korea stands alongside Finland and Sweden, offering visa-free travel to 193 destinations. The third spot is shared by Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands, providing visa-free access to 192 countries. The UK has ascended two ranks to the fourth position, granting its citizens visa-free access to 191 destinations, an increase from the previous year's 188.

Australia and New Zealand jointly hold the sixth position, with passport holders enjoying visa-free access to 189 destinations. The US retains its seventh position with access to 188 destinations without requiring a visa in advance. It's noteworthy that a decade ago, in 2014, the UK and the US jointly held the first place on the index.

The UAE's remarkable ascent reflects its commitment to global mobility, offering its citizens visa-free access to 183 countries. This achievement positions the UAE as a prominent player in the realm of passport power.

In addition to the UAE, Ukraine and China have also experienced substantial improvements in their passport rankings over the past decade, each gaining a net total of 21 places. Ukraine is now in 32nd place with 148 visa-free destinations, while China holds the 62nd position with access to 85 destinations without a prior visa requirement, compared to just 44 in 2014.

Henley & Partners' research indicates a strong correlation between economic performance, passport power, and countries hosting investment migration programs. Nearly 60 percent of G7 countries, accounting for 30 percent of global GDP, offer residence or citizenship by investment programs. Similarly, the majority of EU member states and G20 sovereign states also provide mechanisms to encourage inward investment in exchange for residence rights.

Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, underscores the significance of both visa-openness and investment migration in positively impacting passport power and economic progress. Investment migration is seen as a win-win, long-term, sustainable solution benefiting investors, nation-states, and their citizens alike.

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