Global passport power rankings: how Canada measures up

Singapore holds the top spot as the world’s most powerful passport, offering its citizens visa-free access to 193 out of 227 global destinations, according to the Henley Passport Index, releasing its latest data on Tuesday (July 22).

The ranking, based on exclusive Timatic data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), evaluates passports by the number of countries their holders can enter without needing a visa in advance.

Asian countries continue to dominate global travel freedom, with Japan and South Korea tied for second place, each providing visa-free access to 190 destinations.

The rest of the top five is dominated by European countries.

Seven EU nations—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain—share third place, each offering access to 189 visa-free destinations. In fourth place, another group of seven European countries — Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden — have visa-free access to 188 destinations.

Breaking the European streak, New Zealand stands out as the only non-European country in the top ranks, tying for fifth place alongside Greece and Switzerland.

On the opposite end of the global mobility scale, Afghanistan holds the lowest ranking, with its passport granting visa-free access to only 25 destinations.

This highlights a striking disparity of 168 destinations between the world’s most and least powerful passports.

How does Canada rank?

The study notes how “legacy powers” have slipped in their global mobility ranking.

Over the past decade, as numerous passports have gained strength and climbed the Henley Passport Index, only 16 countries have seen their rankings decline.

Venezuela experienced the steepest drop, falling 15 spots from 30th to 45th.

Other notable declines include the United States, which slipped eight places, Vanuatu (down six), the United Kingdom (down five), and Canada (down four).

Canada’s current ranking in the Henley Passport Index is eighth place, offering citizens visa-free access to 184 destinations.

In a press release, Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, the inventor of the passport index concept, said "traditional mobility champions are losing ground in an increasingly multi-polar world. As emerging economies liberalize their visa regimes and invest in diplomatic capital, legacy powers like the U.K. and the U.S. appear to be retreating behind more restrictive entry policies."

UAE a top riser

The UAE remains a standout among the top climbers on the Henley Passport Index, soaring 34 spots over the past decade—from 42nd to eighth place.

China has also made significant gains, jumping 34 places from 94th to 60th since 2015. This rise is especially noteworthy given that, unlike other major movers, China still lacks visa-free access to the Schengen Area in Europe.

The Asia-Pacific region continues to be a major force in global travel growth.

According to Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, overall air travel demand grew by a solid 5.8 per cent during the first five months of 2025, though results varied by region.

Asia-Pacific airlines led with a 9.5 per cent increase, while North America saw international traffic rise by 1.8 per cent.

However, a one per cent drop in domestic travel offset that growth, resulting in flat overall demand for the region.

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