World's strongest passports: UAE leads, US ranks 10th; where does India stand?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the world's strongest passport in the 2026 Passport Index ranking, with a Mobility Score of 182. UAE passport offers access to 182 destinations without the need to obtain a traditional visa in advance. In second place, Singapore and Malaysia shared the position with access to 175 destinations each, while Spain ranks third with 174.

Compiled by Arton Capital, the Passport Index compares passports based on the travel access they offer their holders. Its rankings are updated in real time as countries change visa rules, introduce exemptions or ease entry requirements for foreign visitors.

The UAE's Mobility Score of 182 includes 138 destinations that Emirati citizens can visit visa-free and 44 where other qualifying simplified entry arrangements apply. The passport leads Singapore and Malaysia by seven destinations and Spain by eight. The latest ranking also places several European countries and Japan among the world's strongest passports, with the United States at rank 10. India stands at rank 72, putting the spotlight on the gap in travel access between Indian passport holders and citizens of countries at the top of the list.

European passports dominate the next positions

The fourth position is shared by a large group of countries with scores of 173: Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Croatia, Norway, Ireland and Japan.

Their scores showed the extensive travel access available to the citizens of several European countries, alongside Japan. The ranking, however, measures destination access rather than the economic strength or international influence of these countries.

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Then there is, Malta, Slovenia, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia and South Korea who has occupied the next position, with scores of 172. Romania, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Lithuania followed with 171.

Cyprus and the United Kingdom score 170, while Canada, Liechtenstein and New Zealand record 169. Iceland and Australia follow with 168, placing them immediately above the United States.

United States ranks 10th

According to the ranking, the United States ranks 10th with a Mobility Score of 167. The USA passport provides visa-free access to 121 destinations, while 46 destinations offer visa on arrival. A further 31 destinations require a visa, according to the index.

Although the US remains one of the world's most influential countries, its passport ranks below several European and Asia-Pacific counterparts in this measure. The ranking measures travel access rather than economic power, diplomatic standing or the attractiveness of a country as a destination for immigrants.

It is to note that, the US score is below of those from several European and Asia-Pacific countries ranked above it, which further reflects differences in the entry arrangements offered by destinations around the world, rather than indicating that the US has become less influential or that its immigration system is weaker.

India ranks 72nd, with a Mobility Score of 70

India ranks 72nd in the 2026 Passport Index, with a Mobility Score of 70. Indian passport holders can enter 30 destinations visa-free and obtain a visa on arrival in 40 destinations. Visas are required for 128 destinations in the index's assessment.

The difference between India's score and the UAE's 182 shows the gap in international travel access. Indian travellers may need to complete additional visa applications, provide supporting documents and account for processing times when planning trips to destinations where advance visas are required. For Indians living abroad, families visiting relatives and travellers planning holidays, these distinctions can affect the time and preparation required before departure.

Visa-free entry and visa on arrival can simplify travel, although travellers must still meet destination-specific entry conditions.

What the ranking means for Indian travellers

The Passport Index offers a snapshot of international mobility, but it should not be treated as a complete measure of a passport's value. Visa policies can change, and entry conditions vary by destination and purpose of travel. Most importantly, short-term travel access does not provide automatic permission to work, study, reside permanently or settle in another country. Indians planning overseas employment, education or migration must check the relevant country's immigration rules separately.

India's position therefore provides a useful measure of its citizens' international travel access, while the higher-ranked passports show how differently countries' citizens experience cross-border travel.