Canadians can now travel visa-free to more countries than Americans, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. The ranking places Canada in 9th place globally, ahead of the United States in 12th, marking a shift from last year when both countries were tied at 7th.
Henley and Partners, which has compiled the index for two decades, attributes the change partly to reciprocal visa measures introduced by other nations in response to new U.S. travel restrictions and more stringent entry requirements.
Unlike U.S. passport holders, Canadians currently enjoy visa-free access to Belarus, Papua New Guinea, and Uzbekistan, and they are exempt from visa requirements upon arrival in Bolivia and Rwanda. These differences have nudged Canada ahead of its southern neighbour in the overall rankings.
When the numbers are broken down further, Canada ranks 32nd for pure visa-free travel, while the U.S. ranks 37th. Both countries held 26th place last year.
The Henley Passport Index assesses 199 passports and 227 destinations worldwide, ranking countries based on the number of destinations their citizens can enter without a prior visa. Canada’s rise highlights its relatively strong diplomatic and travel ties — even as the U.S. faces increasing reciprocal measures from foreign governments.
