The world’s most powerful passports have been unveiled, and the passport is one of the variables that determines a country’s standing in the international arena.
According to the ranking, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport was declared the strongest in the world with a score of 110.50. A ranking released by offshore consultancy Nomad Capitalist confirms that the UAE has entered the top 10 for the first time this year. Most interestingly, the UAE jumped from his 35th place last year to his 1st place this year. United Arab Emirates passport holders can travel to a total of 181 destinations via visa-free, visa-on-arrival or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). “This is largely due to recent changes that allow foreigners to apply for dual citizenship.
This, coupled with the travel freedom offered by UAE passports, is an enviable business-friendly environment in the country. Combined with the tax regime, it has pushed the UAE to our top spot, the list is set for 2023,” the report said. Meanwhile, Jovana Vojinovic, director of operations and sales at Nomad Capitalist, called the UAE passport “a winner of the decade.” “The United Arab Emirates has added 106 new visa-free countries in the last decade, which is a staggering number,” she told CNBC, adding that the wealthy and famous have flowed into the country. The emirate’s liberal policies also helped secure the top spot. Passports from Luxembourg and Switzerland come in second, followed by Ireland and Portugal in fourth place. The remaining countries are Germany, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Sweden and Finland.
