Canada Ranks Among The Top Most Powerful Passports

Canada ranks among the top most powerful passports, i.e., the 2025 global passport rankings by Henley & Partners have placed the Canadian passport among the world’s 10 most powerful, highlighting its continued global strength.

According to the Henley Passport Index, Canada ranked ninth out of 198 passports, based on the number of destinations citizens can visit visa-free.

As of October 7, 2025, Canadians enjoy visa-free access to 183 destinations worldwide – a testament to the country’s global reputation and travel freedom.

Meanwhile, the U.S. passport dropped to its lowest ranking in 20 years, falling out of the top 10 list entirely.

Top 10 Most Powerful Passports In 2025

The following table lists the world’s most powerful passports for 2025. Rankings were based on each passport’s Visa Score, i.e., the number of destinations accessible without a visa.

Despite several shared rankings, Canada holds a distinct ninth place on the list.

Examining The Top Three Rankings

As Canada ranks among the top most powerful passports, let us look at the top three rankings. 

Well, in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, Singapore retained its top position for the third consecutive time, maintaining the world’s most travel-friendly passport.

Earlier in 2025, Japan shared second place with South Korea, but in the latest ranking, South Korea holds that spot alone, while Japan moved down to third.

Despite Japan’s drop, it now solely occupies third place, unlike the July edition, which saw a seven-way tie between Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain.

How Has Canada’s Ranking Changed In 2025?

Canada’s position has slightly shifted since the beginning of 2025. The country dropped by two ranks and lost visa-free access to five destinations compared to January.

In January 2025, Canada was ranked seventh, with visa-free access to 188 destinations – its strongest showing in recent years. That ranking marked the first time Canada surpassed the United States in the index.

By July 2025, Canada had slipped to eighth, offering visa-free access to 184 destinations.

Now, in October, Canada remains strong at ninth place, maintaining a three-rank lead over the United States, which for the first time in two decades, has fallen out of the top 10 entirely.

Looking at the last ten years, the Canadian passport has gradually declined by five positions globally, but it still remains one of the most respected and powerful passports in the world.

How The Henley Passport Index Works?

The Henley Passport Index is a globally recognized ranking system, updated in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

It evaluates 199 passports against 227 destinations, calculating a “Visa Score” for each, representing how many places citizens can visit without needing a visa.

A destination counts as visa-free if travelers can enter without a visa, obtain a visa on arrival, receive a visitor’s permit, or use an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

If a visa or e-visa is required before departure, the destination is not counted toward the score.

The index serves as a key measure of a nation’s global mobility and diplomatic influence.

Applying For A Canadian Passport

To apply for a Canadian passport, you must be a Canadian citizen either by birth, through naturalization, or by inheriting citizenship from a Canadian parent.

In addition to global travel access, a Canadian passport offers citizens faster reentry at borders and reliable identity verification when traveling abroad.

You can apply either by mail or in person at a Service Canada location. Your application must include:

• A completed application form (PPTC 153)
• Proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship certificate)
• Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license or foreign passport)
• Two identical passport photos

You will also need a guarantor and two references to complete your application.

Applicants can choose between a five-year or ten-year passport, depending on their travel needs.

Processing usually takes 10–20 business days, and passports are mailed directly to applicants unless the pick-up service is requested for urgent travel.

In 2025, the Canadian passport continues to symbolize strong global mobility, trust, and security. Despite small shifts in ranking, it remains one of the most powerful travel documents worldwide, thus opening doors to 183 destinations and reinforcing Canada’s presence on the global stage.

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.