UAE Retains Top Spot as World’s Most Powerful Passport for Fourth Consecutive Year

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

For the fourth year in a row, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has secured the title of the world’s most powerful passport, according to the 2024 Henley Passport Index. The prestigious index, which is widely regarded as the global benchmark for passport strength, reveals that UAE passport holders enjoy unparalleled global mobility, with access to 133 countries visa-free and an additional 47 countries offering visas on arrival.

This achievement underscores the UAE’s continued dominance in global mobility rankings, making it the most sought-after passport in the world.

Spain Takes Second Place

Spain claims the second spot in the 2024 rankings, with its citizens able to travel to 134 countries without the need for a visa. Additionally, Spanish passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in 45 more nations. Other European nations, including Finland, Belgium, and Italy, feature prominently in the top 20, reflecting Europe’s stronghold in the global mobility sphere.

Decline for US and UK Passports

This year, both the United States and the United Kingdom saw significant drops in their passport rankings. The UK fell 10 places from 2023, landing at 32nd place, just ahead of Canada. Meanwhile, the US passport dropped from 27th to 38th, now holding the position of the least powerful passport among the G7 nations. This marks a significant shift for the US, a major global economy, and signals growing challenges for citizens seeking to travel freely.

According to Hrant Boghossian, Co-founder of the Henley Passport Index, "European passports are overwhelmingly the best ranked, ahead of larger economies like the United States and China. Nearly all countries in the Balkans experienced growth in their mobility this year, a positive trend in the region we hope will continue."

African Rankings: Mauritius Leads, South Africa in the Middle

In Africa, Mauritius holds the highest ranking, sitting at 67th, while South Africa occupies 97th place, positioned midway through the global list. Neighboring nations, including Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, and Malawi, range between positions 124 to 127, while Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Zambia rank among the lowest 40 passports worldwide.

Global Geopolitics and Its Impact on Passport Rankings

Boghossian also noted the growing influence of geopolitical factors on global mobility, stating, "Geopolitical factors including elections and conflicts continue to influence global mobility. Despite this, we are still seeing countries collaborate, and governments are recognizing the opportunities that visa-free agreements represent."

This observation reflects the broader trends of global mobility as international relations evolve and visa-free agreements grow in importance for many nations.

The Henley Passport Index: A Window into Global Mobility

The Henley Passport Index, which is regularly updated, continues to serve as a crucial tool for understanding the global dynamics of travel freedom. It highlights the growing mobility challenges faced by citizens in countries with lower rankings, such as Pakistan, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

As the geopolitical landscape shifts and countries negotiate visa agreements, the Henley Passport Index provides valuable insight into the global movement of people and the importance of passport strength in the modern world.