Canada’s passport remains one of the world’s strongest, ranking eighth globally in 2026 on the Henley Passport Index, a widely cited measure of international travel freedom. Canadian passport holders can access 181 countries and territories visa-free or with a visa on arrival—placing Canada ahead of the United States and alongside countries such as Iceland and Lithuania.
The Henley Passport Index is compiled by London-based Henley & Partners using data from the International Air Transport Association, which tracks visa policies across 227 destinations. The index focuses strictly on ease of short-term travel, not broader rights such as residency or employment.
Basil Mohr-Elzeki, managing partner at Henley & Partners, said the rankings are a straightforward calculation of visa access. Visa-free travel allows entry without advance paperwork, while visas on arrival add a brief procedural step at the destination.
Experts caution against over-interpreting the rankings. Randall Hansen, Canada research chair in global migration at the University of Toronto, noted the index reflects visa policies largely set by wealthier countries and does not capture the right to live and work abroad—an advantage held by European Union passport holders through shared mobility agreements.
Canada’s passport has consistently ranked in the global top 10, peaking at second place in 2014. Its gradual decline since then reflects increased competition from European and Asian countries and fewer reciprocal visa-free agreements. Canada currently grants visa-free entry to 54 countries, fewer than many of its peers—a factor that affects reciprocity and ranking.
Despite the slip, analysts agree Canada still holds a “good passport,” though not the very strongest. Policy changes—such as easing visa requirements and expanding safe-country designations—could improve its standing.
Globally, Asian passports continue to dominate. Singapore tops the list with access to 192 destinations, followed by Japan and South Korea. Europe occupies much of the upper tier, while the United States ranks 10th with access to 179 destinations. At the bottom, Afghanistan remains last, highlighting a widening global mobility gap.
As countries increasingly pursue visa liberalization to boost trade and travel, Canada’s passport remains powerful—if no longer at the very top.