Canada’s passport is continuing its downward trend in global travel power, according to the latest rankings from the Henley Passport Index. With a score of 184 out of 227 possible destinations allowing visa-free access, Canada now sits tied for eighth place globally, alongside Estonia and the United Arab Emirates — down from seventh place in the previous index update.
The decline reflects a broader pattern seen over the past decade, with Canada’s passport losing four points overall. The index, which draws on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), ranks 199 passports and offers insights into international mobility trends.
In its July 22 update, Henley & Partners, the organization behind the index, identified Canada as one of the countries with the fastest-declining passport strength. Others on the list include Venezuela, the United States, Vanuatu, and the United Kingdom.
The report suggests a global shift in power dynamics. As countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea continue to liberalize visa policies and expand diplomatic influence, former leaders in passport power — including the U.K. and U.S. — are slipping in the rankings. The U.S. dropped to 10th place and is on the verge of falling out of the top 10 for the first time in the index’s 20-year history. Meanwhile, the U.K. now ranks sixth, a far cry from its number-one spot in 2015.
This shifting landscape reflects a more multi-polar world where emerging economies are investing in strategic global partnerships, while legacy powers appear to be adopting more restrictive entry policies. According to Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, “Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships.”
Travel demand continues to rise globally, with a 5.8% increase in air travel during the first five months of 2025. Notably, Asia-Pacific airlines led the surge with a 9.5% growth, underlining the region’s growing impact on global mobility.
In a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and inequality, the importance of strategic mobility and citizenship planning is greater than ever, the report concludes.