New Canada Passport Ranking 2025: Full List Of Visa-Free Countries

Last Updated On 26 July 2025, 7:08 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

In a world where travel freedom symbolizes global influence, Canada’s passport has taken a hit in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, slipping to 8th place with access to 184 destinations.

It previously ranked at number 7 at the beginning of 2025 as per the Henley’s index.

While Singapore reigns supreme as the world’s most powerful passport, and emerging economies like the UAE and China surge in their rankings.

Canada’s decline in the global mobility rankings raises questions about its diplomatic clout and what this means for Canadian travellers.

This article dives deep into ranking change in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, explores the significance of global passport rankings, and highlights star performers.

Understanding the Henley Passport Index: A Measure of Global Mobility

The Henley Passport Index, widely regarded as the gold standard for assessing global travel freedom, ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without requiring a visa in advance.

Launched in 2005 by Henley & Partners in collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the index uses exclusive Timatic data to provide a comprehensive snapshot of global mobility.

A higher ranking indicates greater visa-free access, reflecting a country’s diplomatic strength, international relations, and global trust.

In 2025, the index evaluates passports against 227 travel destinations, including countries, territories, and micro-states.

Visa-free access includes destinations where travellers can enter without a prior visa, with a visa on arrival, or with an electronic travel authority (ETA), which is processed quickly and automatically.

The index’s methodology underscores the ease of travel for ordinary passport holders, excluding diplomatic or temporary travel documents.

For Canada, a nation known for its welcoming immigration policies and global diplomacy, the passport’s ranking is more than a travel metric—it’s a reflection of its standing in the international community.

But with a four-spot drop over the past decade, what does this mean for Canadians?

Canada’s Passport Ranking in 2025: A Slip to Eighth Place

In the 2025 Henley Passport Index, the Canadian passport holds the eighth spot, granting access to 184 destinations worldwide.

This ranking places Canada alongside other nations like Greece, New Zealand, and Switzerland, but it marks a notable decline from its fourth-place position in 2015.

Over the past decade, Canada has lost ground, with countries like the UAE and China making significant gains in global mobility.

The Canadian passport’s visa-free score of 184 destinations is still impressive, offering access to a wide range of countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond.

However, new visa requirements in countries like Gabon and Togo, alongside Canada’s failure to secure additional visa-free agreements, have contributed to its slide.

Notably, the Canadian passport continues to outrank the United States, which fell to 10th place with access to 186 destinations, a significant drop from its second-place ranking a decade ago.

For Canadian travellers, this ranking means continued ease of access to popular destinations like the UK, Schengen Area countries, and much of the Americas.

However, restrictions in countries like China, India, and Russia require Canadians to navigate visa processes, which can be time-consuming and costly.

The decline in ranking also raises questions about the Canadian ability to maintain its reputation as a global mobility leader in an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Global Leaders in Passport Power: Singapore, Japan, and the UAE Shine

While the Canadian passport ranking has slipped, other nations have solidified their positions at the top of the 2025 Henley Passport Index.

Singapore retains its crown as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to an impressive 193 out of 227 destinations.

This dominance reflects Singapore’s strategic diplomatic efforts and its position as a global hub for trade and tourism.

Japan and South Korea follow closely, tied for second place with access to 190 destinations each, showcasing Asia’s growing influence in global travel freedom.

The standout performer of the decade is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has skyrocketed 34 places since 2015 to secure the eighth spot alongside Canada.

With visa-free access to 185 destinations, the UAE’s rise is attributed to its aggressive pursuit of visa-waiver agreements and its growing economic and diplomatic influence.

China also emerges as a notable climber, jumping from 94th to 60th place, with visa-free access to 85 destinations—a testament to its expanding global presence.

At the bottom of the index, Afghanistan remains the least powerful passport, with access to only 25 destinations.

This stark contrast—168 destinations fewer than Singapore—highlights the profound global mobility gap and underscores the privilege of holding a high-ranking passport like Canada’s.

The Broader Context: Global Mobility Trends in 2025

The 2025 Henley Passport Index reflects a world in flux, with geopolitical shifts, economic growth, and technological advancements reshaping travel freedom.

The Asia-Pacific region, led by Singapore, Japan, and South Korea, continues to dominate, driven by strong diplomatic ties and liberalized visa policies.

The UAE’s ascent highlights the growing influence of emerging economies, while China’s rise underscores its expanding role in global affairs.

Conversely, “legacy powers” like Canada, the UK, and the US are experiencing declines, attributed to isolationist policies and reduced diplomatic engagement.

The US, in particular, has seen a dramatic fall from second to ninth place, reflecting a shift in its global priorities.

Venezuela’s 15-spot drop to 45th place illustrates the impact of political instability on passport power, while Afghanistan’s persistent last-place ranking underscores the challenges faced by conflict-affected nations.

The index also highlights the growing importance of digital travel solutions. Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) and e-Visas are transforming global mobility, with countries like Canada requiring an eTA for visa-exempt visitors.

These systems aim to enhance security while maintaining travel efficiency, but they also introduce new complexities for travellers.

Full List of Visa-Free Countries For Canadian Passport

Africa

1. Angola – Visa on arrival
2. Botswana – Visa-free (90 days)
3. Burkina Faso – Visa on arrival
4. Burundi – Visa on arrival
5. Cape Verde Islands – Visa on arrival
6. Comoro Islands – Visa on arrival
7. Djibouti – Visa on arrival or eVisa
8. Egypt – Visa on arrival or eVisa
9. eSwatini – Visa-free (30 days)
10. Ethiopia – Visa on arrival or eVisa
11. The Gambia – Visa-free (90 days)
12. Guinea-Bissau – Visa on arrival or eVisa
13. Kenya – eTA required
14. Lesotho – Visa-free (14 days)
15. Madagascar – Visa on arrival
16. Malawi – Visa on arrival
17. Mauritania – Visa on arrival
18. Mauritius – Visa-free (90 days)
19. Mayotte – Visa-free
20. Morocco – Visa-free (90 days)
21. Mozambique – Visa on arrival
22. Namibia – Visa-free (90 days)
23. Reunion – Visa-free
24. Rwanda – Visa on arrival or eVisa
25. Senegal – Visa-free (90 days)
26. Seychelles – Visa-free (90 days)
27. Somalia – Visa on arrival
28. Tanzania – Visa on arrival
29. Zambia – Visa on arrival or eVisa

Asia

1. Armenia – Visa-free (180 days)
2. Bahrain – Visa on arrival or eVisa
3. Bangladesh – Visa on arrival
4. Brunei – Visa-free (14 days)
5. Cambodia – Visa on arrival or eVisa
6. Georgia – Visa-free (1 year)
7. Hong Kong (SAR China) – Visa-free (90 days)
8. Indonesia – Visa on arrival
9. Israel – Visa-free (90 days)
10. Japan – Visa-free (90 days)
11. Jordan – Visa on arrival
12. Kazakhstan – Visa-free (30 days)
13. Kuwait – Visa on arrival or eVisa
14. Kyrgyzstan – Visa-free (60 days)
15. Laos – Visa on arrival
16. Macao (SAR China) – Visa-free (30 days)
17. Malaysia – Visa-free (90 days)
18. Maldives – Visa on arrival (30 days)
19. Mongolia – Visa-free (30 days)
20. Nepal – Visa on arrival
21. Oman – Visa on arrival or eVisa
22. Palestinian Territory – Visa-free
23. Philippines – Visa-free (30 days)
24. Qatar – Visa-free (30 days)
25. Saudi Arabia – Visa on arrival or eVisa
26. Singapore – Visa-free (30 days)
27. South Korea – Visa-free (90 days, K-ETA exemption until Dec 31, 2025)
28. Sri Lanka – eTA required
29. Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) – Visa-free (90 days)
30. Tajikistan – Visa on arrival or eVisa
31. Thailand – Visa-free (60 days)
32. Timor-Leste – Visa on arrival
33. United Arab Emirates – Visa-free (30 days)
34. Uzbekistan – Visa-free (30 days)
35. Türkiye – Visa-free (90 days)

Europe

1. Albania – Visa-free (90 days)
2. Andorra – Visa-free
3. Austria – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
4. Belgium – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
5. Bosnia and Herzegovina – Visa-free (90 days)
6. Bulgaria – Visa-free (90 days)
7. Croatia – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
8. Cyprus – Visa-free (90 days)
9. Czechia – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
10. Denmark – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
11. Estonia – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
12. Faroe Islands – Visa-free
13. Finland – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
14. France – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
15. Germany – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
16. Gibraltar – Visa-free
17. Greece – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
18. Greenland – Visa-free
19. Hungary – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
20. Iceland – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
21. Ireland – Visa-free (90 days)
22. Italy – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
23. Kosovo – Visa-free (90 days)
24. Latvia – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
25. Liechtenstein – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
26. Lithuania – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
27. Luxembourg – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
28. Malta – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
29. Moldova – Visa-free (90 days)
30. Monaco – Visa-free
31. Montenegro – Visa-free (90 days)
32. Netherlands – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
33. North Macedonia – Visa-free (90 days)
34. Norway – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
35. Poland – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
36. Portugal – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
37. Romania – Visa-free (90 days)
38. San Marino – Visa-free
39. Serbia – Visa-free (90 days)
40. Slovakia – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
41. Slovenia – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
42. Spain – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
43. Sweden – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
44. Switzerland – Visa-free (90 days, Schengen)
45. United Kingdom – Visa-free (6 months, eTA for air travel)

Americas

1. Anguilla – Visa-free (3 months)
2. Antigua and Barbuda – Visa-free (6 months)
3. Argentina – Visa-free (90 days)
4. Aruba – Visa-free
5. Bahamas – Visa-free (3 months)
6. Barbados – Visa-free (6 months)
7. Belize – Visa-free (30 days)
8. Bermuda – Visa-free
9. Bolivia – Visa on arrival
10. Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba – Visa-free
11. Brazil – Visa-free (90 days)
12. British Virgin Islands – Visa-free
13. Cayman Islands – Visa-free (6 months)
14. Chile – Visa-free (90 days)
15. Colombia – Visa-free (90 days)
16. Costa Rica – Visa-free (90 days)
17. Curacao – Visa-free
18. Dominica – Visa-free (6 months)
19. Dominican Republic – Visa-free (30 days)
20. Ecuador – Visa-free (90 days)
21. El Salvador – Visa-free (90 days)
22. Falkland Islands – Visa-free (1 month)
23. French Guiana – Visa-free
24. French West Indies (Guadeloupe, Martinique) – Visa-free
25. Grenada – Visa-free (3 months)
26. Guatemala – Visa-free (90 days)
27. Guyana – Visa-free (6 months)
28. Haiti – Visa-free (90 days)
29. Honduras – Visa-free (90 days)
30. Jamaica – Visa-free
31. Mexico – Visa-free (180 days)
32. Montserrat – Visa-free (6 months)
33. Nicaragua – Visa-free (90 days)
34. Panama – Visa-free (180 days)
35. Paraguay – Visa-free (90 days)
36. Peru – Visa-free (183 days)
37. Puerto Rico – Visa-free (180 days)
38. St. Kitts and Nevis – Visa-free
39. St. Lucia – Visa-free (6 weeks)
40. St. Maarten – Visa-free (3 months)
41. St. Vincent and the Grenadines – Visa-free
42. Suriname – Visa on arrival or eVisa
43. Trinidad and Tobago – Visa-free
44. Turks and Caicos Islands – Visa-free (90 days)
45. United States – Visa-free (180 days, ESTA required)
46. Uruguay – Visa-free (90 days)
47. US Virgin Islands – Visa-free (180 days)
48. Vatican City – Visa-free

Oceania

1. American Samoa – Visa-free
2. Australia – eTA required
3. Cook Islands – Visa-free (31 days)
4. Fiji – Visa-free (4 months)
5. French Polynesia – Visa-free
6. Guam – Visa-free
7. Kiribati – Visa-free (28 days)
8. Marshall Islands – Visa-free (90 days)
9. Micronesia – Visa-free (30 days)
10. New Caledonia – Visa-free
11. New Zealand – eTA required
12. Niue – Visa-free (30 days)
13. Northern Mariana Islands – Visa-free
14. Palau Islands – Visa on arrival
15. Samoa – Visa-free (60 days)
16. Solomon Islands – Visa-free (3 months)
17. Tonga – Visa-free (31 days)
18. Tuvalu – Visa on arrival
19. Vanuatu – Visa-free (30 days)
20. Zimbabwe – Visa on arrival or eVisa

Other (1 destination)

1. St. Helena – Visa-free
2. Saint Pierre and Miquelon – Visa-free
3. Wallis and Futuna – Visa-free

Schengen Area: Canadian passport holders can stay in the Schengen Area (26 European countries) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Starting in late 2026, an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be required for Schengen countries.

eTA Requirements: Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, and Sri Lanka require an eTA, which is a simple online application.

Visa on Arrival: Some countries (e.g., Egypt, Jordan, Nepal) offer visas upon arrival, often with a fee, and may also provide eVisa options.

Verification: Immigration policies can change. Always check the latest entry requirements with the destination’s embassy or consulate before travel. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date.

Countries Requiring Visas For Canadians

Canadians need a visa or eVisa for approximately 39 countries, including:

• Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Benin, Bhutan, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Congo (Rep.), Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Libya, Liberia, Mali, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, Russian Federation, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Togo, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen

The Future of Canada’s Passport Power

Looking ahead, Canada has the potential to reclaim its position among the world’s most powerful passports.

By prioritizing diplomatic engagement, liberalizing visa policies, and embracing digital travel innovations, Canada can enhance its global mobility.

The UAE’s success serves as a model, demonstrating the impact of strategic visa-waiver agreements and economic investment.

For Canadian travellers, staying informed about visa requirements and leveraging tools like the Henley Passport Index can simplify travel planning.

As the global mobility landscape evolves, Canada must adapt to maintain its reputation as a leader in openness and connectivity.

The 2025 Henley Passport Index paints a complex picture of global mobility, with Canada’s passport holding a respectable but diminished eighth-place ranking.

While Singapore, Japan, and the UAE lead the charge, Canada’s decline highlights the need for proactive diplomacy and strategic partnerships.

For Canadians, the passport remains a powerful tool for exploring the world, but its slipping rank serves as a reminder of the challenges in an increasingly multipolar world.

As global travel demand grows—evidenced by a 5.8% increase in air travel in the first five months of 2025—Canada has an opportunity to strengthen its position.

For now, Canadian travellers can take pride in their access to 184 destinations, but the nation must act swiftly to reclaim its place among the world’s mobility elite.

Stay updated with INC News.

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