In 2025, the Canadian passport secured seventh place in the Henley Passport Index, a prestigious global ranking of the most powerful passports. Published by Henley & Partners, this index evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access visa-free or with minimal entry requirements.
Canadian passport holders now enjoy visa-free access to 188 destinations, tying Canada with Malta and Poland for the seventh spot.
Canadian Passport Outranks the U.S.
This year marked a significant milestone for Canada, as its passport outranked the U.S. passport for the first time since the index was established in 2006. The United States dropped to ninth place, a decline from its seventh place ranking in 2024.
Canada, meanwhile, maintained its position from 2024, holding steady in seventh place—an improvement from eighth place in 2023.
Visa-Free Changes for Canadians
The 2025 Henley Passport Index highlights notable visa changes for Canadian travelers:
- Egypt and Brazil removed visa restrictions for Canadians.
- Gabon and Togo, however, now require Canadians to obtain visas for entry.
Despite holding seventh place in 2025, Canada’s rank has dropped over the past decade. In 2015, the Canadian passport ranked fourth, reflecting a three-position decline in global mobility over 10 years.
How the Henley Passport Index Works
The Henley Passport Index considers a destination as visa-free if it permits:
- Visa-free arrival.
- Visa-on-arrival.
- Visitor’s permits.
- Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA).
Destinations requiring traditional visas or government-approved electronic visas (e-visas) are excluded from the visa-free count.
The index uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), enhanced by Henley & Partners’ own research. It assesses 199 passports and their access to 227 travel destinations worldwide.
How the Canadian Passport Compares Globally
In 2025, Singapore claimed the top spot in the Henley Passport Index, offering its citizens visa-free access to 195 destinations. It was followed by Japan, with access to 193 destinations.
At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan provided visa-free access to just 26 destinations, underscoring the stark global disparity in passport power.
Additionally, the UAE emerged as one of the top “climbers” over the last decade, gaining access to 72 additional destinations and securing tenth place in 2025.
How to Obtain a Canadian Passport
To get a Canadian passport, you must first become a Canadian citizen.
- For individuals born in Canada: Citizenship is granted automatically.
- For children of Canadian citizens born abroad: Citizenship may be inherited through their Canadian parent under interim measures.
If you were not born in Canada, becoming a citizen involves several steps, including obtaining Canadian permanent residency (PR).
Path to Canadian Citizenship
To apply for Canadian citizenship, PR holders must meet specific criteria:
- Physical presence requirement: You must have lived in Canada for at least three out of the last five years.
- Filing taxes: Applicants must file and pay any outstanding taxes owed.
- Passing a citizenship test: A basic knowledge test about Canada’s history, government, and rights is required.
- Taking the oath of citizenship: The final step involves pledging allegiance to Canada during a citizenship ceremony.
Becoming a Canadian citizen through naturalization typically takes over three years, depending on your eligibility and circumstances.
Why a Canadian Passport Matters
The Canadian passport’s global reputation reflects the country’s welcoming immigration policies, strong international relationships, and the trust placed in Canadian travelers worldwide.
If you’re looking to start your journey to Canadian citizenship and gain access to one of the world’s most powerful passports, Skynet Immigration can help. Led by RCIC Salekur Rahman, our team provides expert guidance on permanent residency, citizenship applications, and beyond.
Contact us for a free assessment and take the first step toward your Canadian dream!
