Saudi Arabia's passport ranking rose to 58th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, marking a significant milestone in global mobility. This is a major increase over prior years and demonstrates the Kingdom's efforts to improve travel accessibility and international ties.
Advancements in Global Ranking
Saudi passport holders will be able to enter 87 countries globally without a visa or with a visa upon arrival as of January 2025. This development is evidence of Saudi Arabia's expanding strategic alliances and diplomatic relations, which have made travel for its people easier. Saudi Arabia tops a number of nations in the ranking, including Oman (ranked 59th) and China (ranked 60th) according to the Henley Passport Index Report
As the leading authority on passport rankings, the Henley Passport Index uses information from the International Air Transport Association IATA to determine how many locations are available without a visa in advance. For more than 19 years, the index has been monitoring passport ranks worldwide, offering insights on patterns of international movement.
Context of the Ranking
The Saudi passport was ranked 72nd in 2021 and 65th in 2022 and 2023, thus the jump to 58th place is quite notable. This steady growing trend demonstrates Saudi Arabia's dedication to raising its stature internationally and granting its residents greater freedom to travel. The ranking boost also takes into account more general adjustments to international travel regulations and accords that the Kingdom has negotiated.
With its passport ranked 11th, the United Arab Emirates remains the region's leader, while other Gulf republics like Qatar (53rd), Kuwait (55th), and Bahrain (59th) are also highly visible on the list.
Important Elements Affecting Saudi Arabia's Ranking
- The improvement in Saudi Arabia's passport rating is mostly due to the country's growing diplomatic connections with other nations. More visa waivers and better travel agreements have resulted from the Kingdom's country.
- Another important factor has been the continuous execution of Saudi Vision 2030, a strategy framework designed to diversify the Saudi economy. The initiative's changes have aimed to improve a number of industries, such as foreign business and tourism.
- The improved passport rating is partly a result of improvements made to the domestic travel infrastructure.
- Saudi Arabia has become more well-known on the international scene as a result of hosting significant international events. The Kingdom has demonstrated its dedication to integrating more fully into the global community by drawing international events like sporting tournaments and cultural festivals.
Implications for the Future
This ranking has important ramifications for Saudi Arabia. More freedom to travel can result in more tourism and more economic opportunities as it continues to rise across the world. Additionally, increased international cooperation and cultural interchange can be promoted by a stronger passport.
Conclusion
In terms of international relations and global mobility, Saudi Arabia's rise to 58th place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index marks a turning point for the Kingdom. This development not only shows how successful Saudi Arabia's diplomatic initiatives have been, but it also demonstrates a larger trend of greater accessibility for its people. The improved passport ranking may open up more business opportunities, boost tourism, and promote cross-cultural interactions as the Kingdom fortifies its relations with other countries.
