91 Countries, One Passport: Saudi Arabia Emerges as MENA’s Travel Leader

For Saudi travellers, the world just got a little closer. According to the Henley Passport Index 2026, Saudi Arabia has surged ahead of its regional neighbours — Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Iran ,offering citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 91 countries.

It’s more than just a number. Each country unlocked represents new opportunities: a business meeting without visa hurdles, a holiday abroad without waiting in lines, a chance to explore cultures freely. In the eyes of Henley & Partners, Saudi Arabia isn’t just rising in the rankings - it’s stepping onto the global stage as a nation whose citizens can move with unprecedented ease.

Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s neighbours are keeping pace, but with smaller steps. Bahrain offers access to 89 countries, Oman 85, Jordan 57, and Iran 41. The gap may seem small on paper, but for travellers, it’s the difference between effortless mobility and the bureaucracy of prior visas.

So what’s behind Saudi Arabia’s leap? Diplomacy, foresight, and strategy. Over the past years, the Kingdom has signed visa-free agreements with Russia, expanded access to African and European countries, and simplified travel processes. Each handshake and negotiation translated into tangible freedom for its citizens.

The result is a passport that opens doors, quite literally and reflects the Kingdom’s growing global influence. It’s a story not just of statistics, but of ambition, connectivity, and a new era of Saudi mobility.

For Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan, the challenge is clear: in a world where global access defines opportunity, strategic partnerships and visa agreements are no longer optional - they’re essential.

Saudi Arabia’s position atop the MENA rankings is a reminder that in today’s interconnected world, a passport is more than a travel document — it’s a key to possibilities.