Canada’s passport drops to 8th in global rankings, reflecting reduced visa-free access and a shift in diplomatic influence, according to the Henley Index.
Canada’s Global Travel Freedom Takes a Hit
Canada’s once-dominant passport has slipped again in international rankings, falling to eighth place on the latest Henley Passport Index, released July 22. The index, which measures how many destinations a passport holder can enter without a visa, now assigns 184 points to Canada—allowing access to 184 of 227 countries.
The decline marks a continued trend, with Canada’s score dropping by four points over the past decade, reflecting diminishing travel power amid shifting global alliances.
How the Rankings Are Calculated
The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). A point is awarded for every destination a passport allows access to without a prior visa. Canada’s score—now tied with Estonia and the United Arab Emirates—has dropped one point since January 2025.
This trend places Canada among countries like the United States, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom, which are also experiencing some of the steepest declines in passport mobility.
Shifts Reflect Global Diplomatic Realities
According to Henley & Partners, which manages the index, the fall in rankings reflects broader geopolitical trends. Traditional Western powers are facing headwinds from emerging economies that are increasingly liberalizing their visa policies and strengthening diplomatic ties.
“Traditional mobility champions are losing ground in an increasingly multi-polar world,” the firm noted in its July 22 report.
The U.K. and U.S., once holders of the top spots in 2015 and 2014 respectively, have also seen drops. The U.S. is now ranked 10th, teetering on the edge of falling out of the top 10 for the first time in the index’s 20-year history.
Asia-Pacific Surges Ahead
Singapore, Japan, and South Korea now dominate the top three rankings, bolstered by expansive visa-free agreements and strong diplomatic outreach. They are followed by 15 European countries, making up the rest of the top-tier passports.
Asia-Pacific nations are also leading the surge in global travel demand. According to the report, air travel grew by 5.8% globally in the first five months of 2025, with Asia-Pacific airlines growing by 9.5%, outpacing all other regions.
What the Decline Means for Canadians
While Canada still maintains a strong position, the slipping score may limit last-minute or visa-free travel options, especially as other countries enhance mobility for their citizens.
Henley CEO Dr. Juerg Steffen emphasized the broader significance:
“Your passport is no longer just a travel document—it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships,” he said.
“In an era of growing inequality and mounting geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are more critical than ever.”
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