Canada continues to rank among the world’s most powerful passports, according to the latest Henley Passport Index released in October 2025. Maple News reports that Canada now holds the 9th position globally, granting citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 international destinations.
Although this represents a slight drop from its 8th place ranking in July 2025—largely due to one fewer visa-free destination—it underscores Canada’s enduring strength in global mobility. For context, Canada held the second spot in 2014, highlighting a minor but consistent shift as global competition accelerates.
The Henley Passport Index evaluates 199 national passports based on the number of countries they can access without a prior visa, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The rankings reflect not only travel freedom but also the state of diplomatic relations and international cooperation.
Meanwhile, the U.S. passport has taken a historic downturn. For the first time since the Index’s establishment two decades ago, the United States has fallen out of the top 10, coming in at 12th place with visa-free access to 180 destinations—three fewer than Canada. In 2014, the U.S. held the top spot, but a combination of reduced visa reciprocity and slower pace in securing new international agreements has led to its steady decline.
At the top of the 2025 rankings is Singapore, offering access to 193 destinations. South Korea and Japan follow with 190 and 189, respectively. European nations continue to dominate the upper tiers, while Canada remains the only North American G7 country still in the top 10.
Experts suggest that countries embracing active diplomacy and bilateral cooperation are seeing the most progress. Those with more inward-facing policies, or stalling on travel agreements, risk falling behind in an increasingly interconnected world.
The trends reflect a broader shift in global mobility dynamics. Asia’s rise in passport power contrasts with the plateauing or decline of traditional Western passport leaders. These changes are often influenced by global politics, trade negotiations, and public health policies.
For Canadian citizens, the current ranking affirms the value of their passport for international travel and business. For prospective immigrants, it serves as a reminder of the long-term benefits tied to Canadian citizenship.