Canadian Passport: A Global Leader in 2025

The Canadian passport has earned its place among the most powerful in the world in 2025, ranking seventh globally according to the Henley Passport Index. This prestigious ranking, published by global consultancy Henley & Partners, evaluates passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without requiring a prior visa.

Visa-Free Access to 188 Destinations

Canadian passport holders in 2025 enjoy visa-free travel to 188 destinations, sharing the seventh spot with Malta and Poland. This position underscores the strong global mobility offered to Canadians. Notably, this is the first time the Canadian passport has outperformed the U.S. passport in the index’s history, which dates back to 2006.

A Look at Global Rankings

While Canada maintained its seventh position from 2024, the United States dropped to ninth, marking a two-spot decline from the previous year. Canada’s ranking has been stable compared to 2023, when it was in eighth place, but the country has slipped from its fourth position in 2015 over the past decade.

At the top of the list, Singapore reclaimed the #1 ranking in 2025, granting visa-free access to 195 destinations. Japan followed closely, offering access to 193 destinations. On the other end, Afghanistan remains at the bottom, with visa-free access to only 26 destinations.

Changes in Visa Policies for Canadians in 2025

In 2025, Canada saw positive changes in travel policies:

• Egypt and Brazil removed visa restrictions for Canadian travelers, enhancing their accessibility.

However, Gabon and Togo introduced visa requirements, slightly limiting mobility for Canadians in these regions.

How Does the Henley Passport Index Work?

The Henley Passport Index is based on:

• Visa-free access, including visa-free arrivals, visas on arrival, visitor permits, or electronic travel authorizations (eTA).
• Exclusion of destinations requiring pre-approved visas or electronic visas (e-visas).

The data is sourced from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and validated by Henley & Partners’ research team, offering a comprehensive analysis of global passport mobility.

How to Get a Canadian Passport

To hold a Canadian passport, you must first become a Canadian citizen. Here's how:

Citizenship by Birth

• Individuals born in Canada automatically qualify for Canadian citizenship.
• If you are the child of a Canadian citizen, you may inherit citizenship through special measures.

Citizenship Through Naturalization

For those not born in Canada, becoming a citizen requires first achieving Permanent Residency (PR). After gaining PR status, additional steps include:

• Meeting the physical presence requirement (living in Canada for at least three out of the past five years).
• Filing and paying any outstanding taxes.
• Passing the citizenship test and taking the oath of citizenship.

Becoming a Canadian citizen typically takes over three years, but the effort unlocks numerous benefits, including access to one of the world’s most respected passports.

Why the Canadian Passport Matters

Canada’s strong global ranking reflects its emphasis on mobility, inclusivity, and robust international relationships. Whether for travel, work, or immigration, the Canadian passport is a powerful tool that connects its holders to opportunities across the globe.