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Global Rankings Show Canadian Passport Superior to U.S. Passport

US passport falls behind Canadian passport in the most recent international ranking

Global ranking places Canadian passport ahead of US counterpart once more
Global ranking places Canadian passport ahead of US counterpart once more

Global Rankings Show Canadian Passport Superior to U.S. Passport

In a significant shift in global travel rankings, the Canadian passport has surpassed the US passport for the first time since the Henley Passport Index was first published in 2006. This marks a historic moment, as the US is on the verge of falling out of the top 10 passport rankings altogether, a first in the Index's 20-year history.

The Canadian passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to an impressive 184 countries, according to the latest Henley Index. This is a significant leap from its position in January 2025, when it ranked seventh, granting access to 188 destinations without prior visa.

The passport with the most powerful ranking is Singapore, with access to 193 destinations. Japan and South Korea tie for second place, offering visa-free access to 190 countries. Seven European nations, including Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, tie for third place, offering visa-free access to 189 destinations.

The US passport, meanwhile, has seen a decline, dropping eight positions since 2013. The UK also follows a downward trend, dropping a spot since January 2025.

Notably, the passports with the largest falls over the last decade are Venezuela (which dropped 15 positions), followed by the US (down eight positions), Vanuatu (six positions), the UK (five), and Canada (four spots).

On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has made the biggest gain in visa-free access, having added four more destinations since January. India has also recorded a significant jump in rankings over the past six months, climbing from the 85th position to the 77th position, by adding two more destinations to its list of visa-free destinations.

The Canadian passport not only offers extensive travel opportunities but also streamlines re-entry into Canada, making travel more convenient and efficient for its holders. It's worth noting that naturalized Canadian citizens must first become permanent residents and reside in Canada for at least three years before being eligible to apply for citizenship.

For those interested in Canadian immigration, there are resources available to help determine eligibility. Whether for travel or residency, the Canadian passport continues to be a valuable asset in today's globalised world.

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