Israel vs United Arab Emirates Passport Comparison

Israel and United Arab Emirates passports solve different travel problems, even when the headline comparison looks simple. Israel passport holders are working with solid travel leverage in 2026, not elite but clearly above the global middle. The rank has edged up from 18th place in 2006. Access has widened meaningfully, from 104 destinations then to 166 now. Its global and openness scores sit at 79 and 73, respectively. The useful part is the visa-free base: 121 destinations, including Japan, Albania, and Andorra. Visa on arrival adds another 28 options, with examples like Ethiopia, Madagascar, and Papua New Guinea. The caveat is the usual one: even strong passports still run into airline and border checks, so the 6-month validity buffer matters. Before relying on any route, verify the current rule with the destination government or embassy because entry policies can move without much notice. As of 2026, few passports are easier to travel with than the Emirati passport right now: it ranks 2nd globally and reaches 187 destinations without a standard pre-arranged visa in every case. That is a real climb from 62nd place in 2006. The access count tells the bigger story, jumping from 35 to 187 destinations. The useful part is the visa-free base: 142 destinations, including Albania, Andorra, and Antigua and Barbuda. Visa on arrival adds another 32 options, with examples like Madagascar, Bangladesh, and Bolivia. The caveat is the usual one: even strong passports still run into airline and border checks, so the 6-month validity buffer matters. Rules change, so travellers should still confirm the final entry requirement with the relevant embassy or government site before travel. Reading those profiles together gives better context than a one-line winner label, because passport strength depends on where you travel, how often rules change, and whether the passport creates practical friction at borders, airlines, or visa portals.