Business
UAE tops global passport rankings for seventh year
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has maintained its position as the world’s most powerful passport for the seventh consecutive year, according to the 2025 Passport Index released by Arton Capital.
The latest rankings show the UAE holding a clear lead at a time when global mobility is contracting, with many major passports losing visa-free access as countries tighten entry requirements.
UAE retains world’s strongest passport
The report shows that in a year of broad declines, the UAE continued to offer unmatched freedom of movement, reinforcing its appeal among internationally mobile individuals seeking stability and travel access. Arton Capital noted that the country remains a strong draw for global citizens looking for a secure base and broad international connectivity.
Several Asian nations recorded the fastest improvements. Singapore made the largest jump in the individual passport rankings, rising from 30th to 2nd with a mobility score of 175. Malaysia climbed from 41st to 17th with a score of 174. Japan and South Korea also remained high in the rankings despite small reductions.
Arton Capital said the rise of Asian passports reflects growing diplomatic influence that is now translating into meaningful mobility gains.
European countries continued to dominate the upper tier of the index but saw reduced scores compared with 2024. Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and Italy remained among the strongest passports, although most fell from around 178 or 179 visa-free destinations to closer to 174. The report attributes the drop to a mix of tightened border controls, new entry requirements and renegotiated visa agreements.
Passports from the UK, US and Canada again recorded some of the largest declines. The UK fell from 32nd to 39th, extending a long downward trend since Brexit. The US and Canada each lost five points, moving to 41st and 40th. Australia and New Zealand also slipped. Arton noted that weakening mobility for these countries aligns with survey findings showing more affluent individuals considering relocation.
Passport power shifts in 2025
Global openness fell in 2025 as the Passport Index recorded a drop in its World Openness Score, signalling a halt to the post-pandemic recovery in travel freedom. The report states that many top-tier passports lost multiple visa-free destinations due to security measures and updated travel regimes.
Despite this, governments increased the adoption of digital systems such as Electronic Travel Authorisations. The UK, Israel, Turkmenistan, St Kitts and Nevis, and the Maldives introduced ETAs, while Canada replaced visa requirements for Qatari citizens with ETA access. The Passport Index forecasts more than 25 countries will adopt similar systems in 2026, driven in part by the European Union’s planned rollout of ETIAS for over 60 nationalities.
Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital, said: “This year confirms what we have been tracking for some time: global mobility is tightening. The world is becoming more cautious, and the era of rapid post-COVID reopening is firmly behind us.
“But within this shift, we are seeing the UAE remain dominant, and Asian nations emerge as major mobility players. In an era of increasing travel restrictions, the value of a powerful passport only grows. Our mission is to help global citizens navigate this changing landscape so they can maintain the freedom and stability they need to live a truly global life.”
