The Canadian passport ranks among world’s most power full passport in 2025 and has maintained its solid reputation. According to Henley Passport Index, Canada ranks 8th globally, giving Canadian passport holders visa free access to 184 destinations across the globe.
This is wonder full news for Canadians as they rank ahead of United States of America, which fell to the 10th location this year with visa free access to only 182 destinations.
What is Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index is a globally recognized ranking system that measures the travel freedom of passports around the world. They get their data from International Air Transport Association (IATA) and make their ranking and keep it updated.
Top factors influencing rankings:
- Number of Visa free countries
- Diplomatic relationship between nations
- Bilateral visa agreements between two nations
- Political stability and international cooperation
Canada’s Global Mobility in 2025
Canadian passport offers visa free or visa on arrival access to 184 countries and territories. This includes most of Europe, South America, Asia and parts of Africa.
Popular destinations Canadians can access visa-free:
- USA
- Schengen Area (France, Germany, Italy, etc.)
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- Mexico
- Caribbean nations
- New Zealand and Australia (eVisitor or ETA required)
If you are an international student, work permit holder or permanent resident in Canada and wants to visit US, you have get US visa if you are from non visa exempt countries and now soon you will have to pay additional $250 fee.
Top 10 Ranking in 2025
Here is the list of the World’s top 10 Passport as per the ranking in 2025:
| Rank | Country | Visa-Free/Visa-on-Arrival Access |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Singapore | 193 |
| 2 | Japan, South Korea | 190 |
| 3 | Germany, France, Finland, Italy, Spain, Ireland | 189 |
| 4 | Sweden, Norway, Belgium, Portugal, Netherlands | 188 |
| 5 | Switzerland, New Zealand, Greece | 187 |
| 6 | United Kingdom | 186 |
| 7 | Australia, Poland, Czechia, Malta, Hungary | 185 |
| 8 | Canada, UAE, Estonia | 184 |
| 9 | Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia | 183 |
| 10 | United States, Lithuania, Iceland | 182 |
Canada vs USA- Who’s Ahead?
The important point to note in this ranking is that Canada out performs the global power USA in passport ranking. Canada offers access to 184 destinations, US passport has dropped to 182.
In recent time we have seen US passport loosing its rank in the index.
Why Passport Ranking Matters to Immigrants
For international students in Canada and permanent residents of Canada who want to become Canadian citizens passport ranking matters significantly.
some of the key benefits of Canadian passports are:
- Travel Freedom: Access to 184 countries means less hassle and saving in visa fees.
- Business Opportunities: Ideal for entrepreneurs and professionals traveling for work. It will help new immigrants to explore business opportunities outside of Canada.
How to Become a Canadian Passport Holder?
To obtain Canadian passport, one must:
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Have proof of citizenship (naturalization certificate or birth certificate)
- Apply through Passport Canada (Service Canada)
- Meet documentation and photo requirements
- Get a Canadian Citizen passport holder as guarantor and 2 references.
- Pay the applicable fee (typically $120–$160 for a 10-year passport)
For international students it means first becoming permanent residents of Canada and then meeting the citizenship eligibility criteria( 3 out of 5 years residency, language proficiency, knowledge test).
After this, pass the citizenship test and take the oath of citizenship.
