The Henley Passport Index ranks passports globally based on the number of destinations their holders can access visa-free, and the company has officially unveiled the list for Q1 of 2026.

This prestigious index serves as a global benchmark for travel freedom, offering valuable insights into the intricate web of diplomatic relations and international travel policies. By analysing visa-free access, visa-on-arrival options, and other travel opportunities certain passports afford, the Henley Passport Index provides a comprehensive overview of global mobility for citizens of different countries.

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Where is Saudi Arabia on the list?

Saudi Immigration Passport Stamps

Ranked 58 on the list by the Henley Passport Index in 2025, the Saudi Arabian passport has climbed four places and is now placed at number 54 of the list. Considered to be a powerful passport - particularly within the Middle East and GCC region, with a Saudi Arabian passport, citizens and passport holders can access almost 90 countries visa free or with visa-on-arrival.

The number of international destinations offering e-visa access to Saudi passport holders is also on the rise, in addition to this new, more seamless access, many nations are increasing the amount of time Saudi citizens can stay in a country at any given time; for example in January 2025, Hong Kong increased the number of days Saudis can explore the country visa free, from 30 days to 90 days. In 2024, Thailand confirmed that Saudi Arabian passport holders could avail of visa extensions and stay for periods of up to 90 days at a time.

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Top 30 most powerful passports on the planet

UK Passport via unsplash ethan-wilkinson

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The small island nation of Singapore consistently tops the index of the world's most powerful passports; offering its citizens and passport holders unparalleled travel freedom with visa-free access to a vast majority of countries worldwide. Japan and a number of European Union countries also regularly rank amongst the top contenders for powerful passports, providing their citizens with exceptional travel mobility - which for EU countries is enhanced by these nations' being part of the common market.

Factors such as strong diplomatic ties, stable economies, and global political influence also significantly contribute to a passport's ranking on the Henley Passport Index, and ultimately lends its self to determining the ease with which its passport holder can explore the world.

Singapore - 195 destinations
Japan & Korea - 188 destinations
Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland - 186 destinations
Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway - 185 destinations
Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, United Arab Emirates - 184 destinations
Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Malta, New Zealand, Poland - 183 destinations
Australia, Latvia, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom - 182 destinations
Canada, Iceland, Lithuania - 181 destinations
Malaysia - 180 destinations
United States - 179 destinations
Bulgaria, Romania - 178 destinations
Monaco - 177 destinations
Chile - 175 destinations
Cyprus - 174 destinations
Andorra, Hong Kong - 171 destinations
Argentina, Brazil - 169 destinations
San Marino - 168 destinations
Israel - 165 destinations
Barbados, Brunei - 162 destinations
The Bahamas - 158 destinations
Mexico - 157 destinations
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay - 156 destinations
St. Kitts and Nevis - 155 destinations
Antigua and Barbuda, Seychelles - 154 destinations
Vatican City - 152 destinations
Costa Rica, Panama - 148 destinations
Grenada, Mauritius - 147 destinations
Trinidad and Tobago - 146 destinations
Dominica - 145 destinations
Paraguay, St. Lucia - 145 destinations

Most Powerful Passports in the GCC

The UAE’s 5th-place position on the global list marks a historic high for the nation, having climbed 57 places over the past two decades — the largest gain recorded by any country in the index's history. The UAE's passport now ranks ahead of traditionally strong passports such as New Zealand (6th), the UK (7th), Canada (8th) and the USA (10th).

Here is the ranking of the most powerful passports in the GCC for 2026:

United Arab Emirates: Ranked 5th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations.

Qatar: Ranked 47th globally, with a visa-free score of 111.

Kuwait: Ranked 50th globally, with a visa-free score of 96.

Saudi Arabia: Ranked 54th globally, with a visa-free score of 86.

Bahrain: Ranked 55th globally, with a visa-free score of 85.

Oman: Ranked 56th globally, with a visa-free score of 84.

The detail reported is accurate at time of writing, and is according the research and documentation provided by the Henley Passport Index in January 2026.

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