Passport Reports

Gulf CountriesPassport Ranking

How Do We Rank It?

Passport Reports calculates the mobility score from visa-free, visa on arrival and eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) access. Rankings use mobility score first, then visa-free access, then eTA and then visa on arrival; passports with the same values across these metrics share one rank. Review the algorithm used in our methodology.

Ranking view

About Gulf Countries

The Gulf countries occupy a strategic position on the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Persian Gulf. Their landscape is dominated by vast deserts, salt flats, and rocky plateaus, with a harsh arid climate. Coastal areas feature mangroves, coral reefs, and important marine habitats, while interior oases sustain date palm groves. Modern metropolises like Dubai and Doha rise amid this stark environment, blending glass towers with traditional markets.

These nations share deep cultural roots in Bedouin heritage, tribal structures, and Islamic traditions that influence daily life. Their economies have been transformed by hydrocarbon wealth, making the region a pivotal energy supplier to global markets. This shared reliance on oil and gas revenues has driven rapid urbanization and infrastructure expansion. The similarity in economic foundations makes comparing their international travel access particularly revealing.

Cities such as Abu Dhabi, Manama, and Kuwait City combine futuristic districts with historic souks and mosques. A large expatriate population from South Asia, the Levant, and beyond creates a mosaic of languages and cuisines. State-of-the-art airports and seaports connect the Gulf to every continent, reinforcing its role as a global logistics hub. The region's cultural festivals, luxury shopping, and year-round sunshine draw millions of visitors annually, enhancing its international profile.