Canada’s passport is losing ground; here’s why it matter

Canada’s passport, once among the most powerful in the world, has slipped again in global rankings, according to the Henley Passport Index, which measures travel freedom across 199 countries.

The latest data places Canada eighth, tied with Estonia and the United Arab Emirates. Canadian passport holders can now travel visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival to 184 destinations out of 227.

That marks a drop from seventh place earlier this year, when the figure stood at 188 destinations, and a four-point decline over the past decade.

Why is Canada’s passport losing ground?

Experts say the ranking change reflects a wider shift in global mobility. A statement from Henley & Partners, which compiles the index, noted that “traditional mobility champions are losing ground in an increasingly multipolar world.”

As countries in Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa open their doors and secure reciprocal agreements, many Western nations are introducing tighter entry requirements.

The United States and the United Kingdom have also slipped in the rankings, to 10th and 6th, respectively, despite once topping the list in 2014 and 2015.

Who leads the rankings?

Singapore remains at the top of the 2025 list, with access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea follow with 190. Several European countries, including France and Germany, dominate the next positions.

At the bottom end, Afghanistan’s passport grants visa-free access to just 25 destinations, underlining stark global inequality in mobility rights.

What’s next for Canada?

The Canadian passport remains among the strongest globally, but its gradual decline underscores the need for sustained diplomatic engagement. With international travel demand rising by 5.8 percent in early 2025 and Asia-Pacific leading growth at 9.5 percent, competition for travel freedom is expected to intensify.