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The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations have been strategically leveraging their passport strength as a tool for soft power and diplomatic influence, as evidenced by the latest Henley Passport Index for July 2025. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global leader, securing the 8th position worldwide, offering its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 countries. This remarkable ascent from a mere 35 countries a decade ago underscores the UAE's proactive foreign policy initiatives and its commitment to enhancing its international standing. The UAE's performance not only surpasses traditional powerhouses like the United States and Canada but also marks the most significant leap in the Henley Passport Index's two-decade history. This achievement is attributed to the UAE's relentless pursuit of visa-waiver agreements with key regions including the European Union, China, Russia, and Latin America. The UAE's passport is now the strongest in both the Arab and Islamic worlds, solidifying its position as a regional and global hub for commerce, tourism, and diplomacy. The UAE's success serves as a model for other GCC nations striving to improve their global mobility and enhance their international reputation.
Qatar has also made significant strides in the Henley Passport Index, rising to 47th place globally. This progress is largely due to Qatar's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program, a historic milestone as the first Arab nation to achieve this distinction. This agreement grants Qatari citizens visa-free entry to the United States for stays of up to 90 days, strengthening Qatar's ties with a key global partner and boosting its attractiveness as a destination for business and tourism. Qatar's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program reflects its growing diplomatic influence and its commitment to international cooperation. Furthermore, Qatar's passport now provides access to 112 destinations without requiring a prior visa, up from 108 in January 2024, showcasing its continuous efforts to improve its citizens' global mobility. Qatar's consistent ranking in the mid-50s in previous years underscores the significance of this recent achievement. The nation's strategic approach to enhancing its passport power aligns with its broader ambitions to become a prominent player on the world stage.
Saudi Arabia's passport has also witnessed a gradual upward trend, currently ranking 54th globally on the Henley Passport Index. Saudi citizens now enjoy access to 91 destinations without a prior visa, reflecting the Kingdom's efforts to diversify its economy, attract foreign investment, and promote tourism. A significant breakthrough in June 2025 saw China grant Saudi citizens visa-free entry, followed by similar agreements with Turkey and the United Kingdom. These agreements mark a crucial step in enhancing Saudi Arabia's connectivity with key global markets and fostering closer cultural and economic ties. While Saudi Arabia's progress may not be as rapid as that of the UAE or Qatar, its steady and deliberate approach, combining domestic reforms with proactive international engagement, is yielding positive results. The expansion of electronic visa systems and the growth of the tourism sector are further contributing to the Kingdom's enhanced global standing. The Saudi government's commitment to improving its passport power demonstrates its vision for a more open and interconnected future.
In contrast to the rapid advancements made by the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, Kuwait's passport has experienced more modest growth. As of 2025, Kuwait ranks 50th globally, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 100 destinations. While Kuwaiti citizens benefit from full visa-free movement within the GCC, its global mobility growth has been limited compared to its regional peers. The slower pace of progress is attributed to the lack of significant new bilateral visa agreements in the past year. Kuwait's application for Schengen visa-free access remains pending, hindering further expansion. The contrasting experiences of Kuwait and its GCC neighbors highlight the importance of proactive visa diplomacy in enhancing passport power and fostering greater global mobility. Kuwait's cautious approach underscores the need for a more concerted effort to strengthen its international ties and improve its citizens' access to the world.
Oman and Bahrain, ranking 56th and 55th respectively, occupy the lower positions among GCC nations in the Henley Passport Index. Bahraini passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 90 destinations, while Omani citizens can access 88 destinations, representing a modest increase from 86 in 2024. Both countries benefit from the robust regional integration fostered by the GCC framework, but their global mobility remains relatively limited compared to leading regional players. Oman's continued upward trend in international travel rankings, rising from 65th in 2023 to 56th in 2025, showcases its commitment to enhancing its passport power and facilitating greater international engagement. Bahrain's progress, climbing four positions from 59th in 2024 to 55th in 2025, reflects its ongoing efforts to improve its global access. The inclusion of both Oman and Bahrain in China's sweeping visa-free expansion in June 2025 further contributed to their gradual improvement in global mobility.
The decision by China to extend visa-free access to all six GCC nations in June 2025 represents a significant diplomatic and economic development. This initiative reflects Beijing's strategic objective to deepen its geopolitical and economic ties with the Middle East through enhanced mobility, tourism, and bilateral cooperation. Previously, only UAE and Qatar citizens enjoyed visa-free entry to China. The inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain in this expanded policy, offering visa-free entry for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, and cultural exchanges, is expected to significantly boost tourism, investment flows, tech partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges between China and the Gulf region. This initiative positions China as a leading destination for GCC travelers and strengthens its strategic engagement in the Middle East. The Chinese government's proactive approach to fostering closer ties with the GCC nations underscores the growing importance of the region in the global economy and political landscape.
The existing Gulf Cooperation Council protocols ensure the free movement of citizens across all six GCC member states. This intra-regional mobility remains unaffected by global passport rankings and provides a solid foundation for Gulf citizens' movement, regardless of their international passport power. This regional integration fosters closer economic and cultural ties within the GCC and enhances the region's attractiveness as a destination for investment and tourism. The commitment to maintaining free movement within the GCC underscores the region's shared identity and its collective efforts to promote economic growth and prosperity. The GCC's success in fostering regional integration serves as a model for other regions seeking to enhance cooperation and facilitate greater mobility for their citizens. The ongoing efforts to strengthen intra-GCC ties will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the region's future and its position in the global arena.
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations accessible without a prior visa and is updated quarterly using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The UAE's proactive approach to signing visa deals has granted its citizens access to 184 destinations, surpassing the US and UK. Qatar's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program is a historic achievement, enabling visa-free entry and boosting its global ranking. China, Turkey, and Malaysia now offer visa-free entry for all GCC citizens, reflecting growing global trust and closer ties. The free movement of GCC citizens within member states is unaffected by global passport rankings, ensuring regional mobility. Saudi Arabia's ongoing reforms and Kuwait's Schengen talks could further enhance their passport strength in the coming years. Oman and Bahrain, while ranking lowest in the GCC, continue to make gradual improvements in their global mobility. The Henley Passport Index provides a valuable tool for understanding the evolving landscape of global mobility and the strategic importance of passport power in international relations.
Source: Where do Gulf countries rank among world’s most powerful passports in latest 2025 Henley index?