Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The UAE has once again been ranked the world’s most powerful passport, holding the top position for the seventh consecutive year in the 2025 Passport Index by Arton Capital, reported Gulf News.
In a year when most major passports lost ground, the UAE extended its lead, reaffirming its position as a global mobility powerhouse. The country’s unparalleled travel access and reputation as a stable, investmentfriendly hub have kept it ahead of traditional leaders from Europe and North America.
“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 cofounder of the Passport Index. “But within this shift, we’re seeing the UAE remain dominant, and Asian nations emerge as major mobility players.”
After years of holding steady, Asia’s top passports surged forward in 2025. Singapore made the biggest leap, climbing from 30th to 2nd place with a mobility score of 175, while Malaysia rose from 41st to 17th with 174. Japan and South Korea maintained high positions despite minor declines, strengthening the region’s collective presence near the top of the rankings.
Asia’s growing diplomatic influence, streamlined travel agreements, and reputation for economic resilience have accelerated its ascent. “In an era of increasing travel restrictions, the value of a powerful passport only grows,” said Arton.
European passports continue to dominate much of the top 20, with Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy holding firm among the global leaders. However, most of them recorded lower mobility scores than in 2024, falling from around 178–179 to roughly 174 this year.
