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 Q4 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?
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
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 - 193 destinations
- Japan, South Korea and United Arab Emirates - 188 destinations
- Sweden - 187 destinations
- Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway and Spain - 186 destinations
- Austria, Greece, Malta, Portugal and Switzerland - 185 destinations
- Hungary, Malaysia, Poland and the United Kingdom - 184 destinations
- Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Latvia, New Zealand, Slovakia and Slovenia - 183 destinations
- Croatia and Estonia - 182 destinations
- Liechtenstein and Lithuania - 181 destinations
- Iceland and the United States of America - 180 destinations
- Bulgaria and Romania - 178 destinations
- Monaco - 176 destinations
- Cyprus and Hong Kong - 175 destinations
- Chile - 174 destinations
- Brazil - 170 destinations
- Andorra and Argentina - 169 destinations
- Israel - 167 destinations
- San Marino - 166 destinations
- Barbados - 164 destinations
- Brunei - 163 destinations
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines and The Bahamas - 158 destinations
- St. Kitts and Nevis - 157 destinations
- Mexico, Seychelles and Uruguay - 155 destinations
- Antigua and Barbuda - 154 destinations
- Vatican City - 152 destinations
- Mauritius - 149 destinations
- Grenada - 1148 destinations
- Costa Rica - 147 destinations
- Panama - 146 destinations
- Dominica and Paraguay - 144 destinations
Most Powerful Passports in the GCC
The UAE’s 2nd-place position on the global list marks a historic high for the nation, having climbed almost 60 places 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 France (4th), the United Kingdom (6th), Monaco (12th) and the United States of America (10th).
Here is the ranking of the most powerful passports in the GCC for Q4, 2026:
- United Arab Emirates: Ranked 5th globally in January 2026, the UAE has risen to second position, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations.
- Qatar: Dropping from 47th place in Q1 2026, to 51st place in Q4 2026, a Qatari passport gives travellers access to 112 destinations.
- Kuwait: Slipping from 50th place globally in Q1 2026, to 54th in Q4, with a visa-free score of 97.
- Saudi Arabia: Ranked 54th globally in Q1 2026, in 57th place for Q4 2026 a Saudi passport now offers travellers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 90 destinations.
- Bahrain: Falling from 55th position on the global rankings in Q1, to 59th place in Q4, with a visa-free score of 87.
- Oman: Ranked in 61st position globally, with a visa-free score of 84 destinations.
The detail reported is accurate at time of writing, and is according the research and documentation provided by the Henley Passport Index in October 2026.
We originally reported on this in January 2026, when the Q1 data was released by Henley Global.
