- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has claimed first place in the 2026 Arton Capital Passport Index, with a mobility score of 182, allowing Emirati citizens to access 182 destinations through visa-free travel and other simplified entry arrangements
- Singapore and Malaysia share second place with scores of 175, followed by Spain with 174, while several European countries and Japan record scores of 173
- The United States ranks 10th with a mobility score of 167, highlighting differences in international travel access among the world's passports
The United Arab Emirates has retained its position as the world's most powerful passport in the 2026 Arton Capital Passport Index, according to the latest rankings released in October.
Source: Getty Images
The index measures passport strength using the number of destinations citizens can access through visa-free entry, visas on arrival and other simplified travel authorisations.
The UAE recorded a mobility score of 182, putting it ahead of Singapore and Malaysia, which each scored 175. Spain followed with 174, while a group of European countries and Japan recorded scores of 173.
The rankings highlight how international travel access differs depending on a person's nationality and the agreements their country has with other governments.
UAE tops the 2026 global passport ranking
The UAE's first-place position reflects the breadth of travel access available to its citizens.
According to the 2026 Passport Index, the UAE recorded a mobility score of 182. That total includes destinations accessible without a traditional visa in advance, as well as those allowing visas on arrival or electronic travel authorisations.
Check out the post on X below about the UAE passport being named the world’s most powerful passport in 2026:
Singapore and Malaysia jointly occupy second place, each with a score of 175, while Spain ranks third with 174.
The next group includes Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Croatia, Norway, Ireland and Japan, each recording a score of 173.
Malta, Slovenia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia and Latvia, alongside South Korea, follow with scores of 172.
Top 10 passport ranking positions in 2026
The following countries and ranking groups lead the 2026 Arton Capital index, based on their mobility scores:
Rank | Country or group | Mobility score |
1 | United Arab Emirates | 182 |
2 | Singapore and Malaysia | 175 |
3 | Spain | 174 |
4 | Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Croatia, Norway, Ireland and Japan | 173 |
5 | Malta, Slovenia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia and South Korea | 172 |
6 | Romania, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Lithuania | 171 |
7 | Cyprus and the United Kingdom | 170 |
8 | Canada, Liechtenstein and New Zealand | 169 |
9 | Iceland and Australia | 168 |
10 | United States | 167 |
Note: Countries within the same ranking group share the same position. The mobility score includes different forms of facilitated entry and does not mean every destination offers visa-free entry.
United States ranks 10th in passport power index
The United States occupies 10th place in the 2026 ranking, with a mobility score of 167.
American passport holders retain access to a wide range of international destinations, although the US passport ranks below several European and Asian passports in this index.
The ranking measures travel access rather than the overall economic or diplomatic strength of a country. Entry conditions can also change, so travellers should confirm visa requirements with the destination country's authorities before departure.
What the rankings mean for international travellers
Passport rankings offer a comparison of how easily citizens of different countries can travel internationally. A higher score generally indicates access to more destinations without needing to obtain a traditional visa beforehand.
However, the rankings do not guarantee admission at a border. Travellers may still need to meet requirements involving passport validity, length of stay, proof of funds, return tickets or electronic travel authorisation.
The UAE's leading position in the Arton Capital index places it ahead of several traditionally strong European and North American passports in terms of international mobility.
For travellers, the practical benefit depends on the destinations they intend to visit and the specific entry rules in force at the time of travel.
Kenya’s passport ranks among Africa’s strongest in 2026
TUKO.co.ke reported that Kenya’s passport climbed five places to rank 68th globally in the 2026 Henley Passport Index.
Kenyan passport holders can access 69 destinations without obtaining a traditional visa in advance, including countries offering visa-free entry and visas on arrival.
Kenya ranked 10th in Africa, behind countries including Seychelles, Mauritius and South Africa.
Source: Legit.ng