DUBAI : The 2025 Passport Index reveals a shifting global mobility landscape, with the UAE standing firm at No. 1 even as many traditional heavyweights saw their travel access curtailed. Its unmatched visa-free and visa-on-arrival privileges, combined with its reputation as a stable, investment-friendly hub, have helped the nation retain its commanding position.
“The world is becoming more cautious, and the era of rapid post-Covid reopening is firmly behind us,” said Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital and co-founder of the Passport Index. “But within this shift, we’re seeing the UAE remain dominant, and Asian nations emerge as major mobility players.”
Asia recorded some of the most dramatic gains in 2025. Singapore made a remarkable jump from 30th to 2nd place with a mobility score of 175, while Malaysia climbed from 41st to 17th with a score of 174. Japan and South Korea, despite minor declines, maintained strong positions within the top tier. Analysts attribute Asia’s rise to expanding diplomatic engagement, streamlined travel agreements, and resilient economic performance.
European passports, long seen as global favourites, continued to feature prominently in the top 20 with Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy retaining high ranks. However, most recorded mobility score declines, from 178–179 last year to around 174. While Europe remains a key passport powerhouse, it is now facing unprecedented competition from Asia’s rapid ascent.
Meanwhile, the UK, US, and Canada were among the biggest fallers in this year’s rankings. The UK slid from 32nd to 39th, while the US and Canada dropped to 41st and 40th place respectively, each losing access to five visa-free destinations. Australia and New Zealand also saw declines. These shifts have prompted a rising number of wealthy citizens from these countries to explore alternative residencies and citizenships.
According to Arton’s Affluence & Elections survey, high-net-worth individuals in the UK, US, and Canada increasingly view mobility as a strategic asset, assembling “portfolios of citizenships” to preserve global stability and freedom of movement.
Despite tightening global borders, 2025 witnessed significant progress in digital travel authorisations. Israel, the United Kingdom, Turkmenistan, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Maldives rolled out Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs). Canada also eased access for Qatari citizens, replacing visa requirements with ETA approvals, making Qatar only the second GCC nation after the UAE to benefit.
Looking ahead, the Passport Index anticipates over 25 additional countries introducing ETA systems in 2026. The most impactful shift is expected from the European Union, which is preparing to launch its long-awaited ETIAS scheme for travellers from more than 60 nations entering the Schengen zone, set to become the world’s largest digital travel permit system.
The UAE has maintained its position as the world's most powerful passport for the seventh year, thanks to its extensive visa-free and visa-on-arrival privileges. While traditional powerhouses like the US and UK have seen declines, Asian countries such as Singapore and Malaysia have made significant gains, reshaping the global mobility landscape.