The federal government revealed the new Canadian passport during a special event held at the Ottawa International Airport on May 10, 2023. The Canadian Press
Canadian travellers can now visit more countries without a visa than their American neighbours. According to the Henley Passport Index, Canada has climbed to 9th place in the latest global rankings, while the United States has dropped to 12th.
The index measures how many countries citizens can enter without first applying for a visa. It has been tracking global travel freedom for the past 20 years and remains one of the most recognized rankings of passport strength worldwide.
Why Canada Pulled Ahead
Both countries were tied in 7th place last year, but recent changes to entry rules and visa requirements have shifted the balance.
Experts say the change comes partly from new U.S. visa restrictions that have prompted some nations to impose reciprocal requirements on American travellers. These added hurdles have reduced the number of destinations U.S. passport holders can enter freely.
In contrast, Canadians still enjoy visa-free travel to several destinations now off-limits to Americans. These include Belarus, Papua New Guinea, and Uzbekistan, as well as visa-on-arrival exemptions in Bolivia and Rwanda.
When the data is broken down further, Canada ranks 32nd for overall visa-free access, while the United States sits in 37th place. Both countries held 26th place just a year ago, showing a gradual decline in travel freedom.
Global Trends in Passport Power
While Canada’s passport remains among the world’s strongest, other countries are also moving up the list. China, for example, has seen significant progress over the past decade. It jumped from 94th place in 2015 to 62nd place in 2024, before slipping slightly to 64th this year.
Henley reports that China granted visa-free entry to travellers from 30 additional nations this past year, bringing its total to 76 countries — notably, 30 more than the United States currently allows.
Factors Behind Canada’s Ranking
Although Canada’s position remains high, it has also faced some setbacks. A key factor is Brazil’s decision to reinstate visa requirements for Canadian citizens earlier this year. The move followed unsuccessful negotiations with Ottawa to remove similar restrictions on Brazilian travellers entering Canada.
Such diplomatic back-and-forth often affects how passport rankings shift from year to year, as governments adjust entry rules to match those of their international partners.
Still, the Canadian passport continues to rank among the world’s most powerful, granting access to over 180 countries either visa-free or with simplified entry procedures.
Travelling with Canadian Privilege
For many Canadians, the passport remains not only a travel document but also a symbol of global mobility. As visa rules evolve, experts say travellers should stay informed about entry requirements before booking international trips.
For now, Canadians can take pride in holding one of the world’s most respected passports — one that opens more doors abroad than ever before.
