The 2025 Henley Passport Index has been released, ranking Canada among the top 10 most powerful passports globally. The index evaluates passports based on their visa-free access to 227 travel destinations.
Top Performers in the 2025 Rankings
- Singapore claimed the top spot, with its passport allowing visa-free entry to 195 destinations.
- Japan secured second place, offering access to 193 destinations.
- France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, and South Korea shared the third position with 192 visa-free destinations.
- Canada ranked seventh, granting visa-free access to 188 destinations.
While Canada remains a global leader in passport power, it has dropped three ranks over the past decade, moving from fourth to seventh place.
- European dominance: Many European nations, including Austria, Denmark, and Ireland, feature prominently in the top 10.
- United Arab Emirates: The UAE has climbed significantly, now in 10th place with visa-free access to 185 destinations, up by 72 destinations since 2015.
- China’s rapid ascent: China rose from 94th in 2015 to 60th in 2025, reflecting increased global openness.
At the other end of the index, Afghanistan remains at the bottom, with limited visa-free access to destinations.
The index highlights global trends in mobility and diplomacy. For example:
- U.S. decline: The U.S. dropped to ninth place, with a visa-free score of 186 destinations, reflecting a more isolationist stance. Experts predict this trend may continue, further diminishing U.S. passport power.
- Asia’s rise: China’s increased mobility and openness signal Asia’s growing influence in global soft power.
- As of the 2025 Henley Passport Index, India ranks 83rd, granting its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 58 destinations.
- In contrast, Pakistan holds the 103rd position, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 34 destinations.
The Henley Passport Index bases its rankings on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), scoring passports based on visa-free travel, visas on arrival, electronic travel authorizations, and visitor permits.