Canada Beats U.S. in Latest Global Passport Ranking

The Canadian passport continues to offer greater international travel access than its American counterpart, according to the latest Henley Passport Index.

As of July 21, 2026, Canada holds seventh place in the global ranking. The United States sits in 10th place.

Canada has moved up one position since January, rising from eighth to seventh. The United States has remained in 10th place during the same period.

Canada Maintains Strong Global Position

The Canadian passport has stayed among the index’s top 10 since the ranking began in 2006.

Canada reached its highest position in 2014, when it ranked second. It has generally remained between sixth and ninth place in recent years as more countries expanded visa-free travel agreements.

The United States has experienced a sharper decline. Its passport ranked first in 2006 but fell to 12th place in October 2025. That marked the first time the U.S. had dropped outside the top 10.

It returned to 10th place in January 2026.

Canadians Can Visit More Destinations

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports according to how many destinations their holders can enter without obtaining a visa before departure.

Canadian passport holders currently have visa-free access to 183 destinations. U.S. passport holders can access 180.

One factor separating the two countries is travel to China.

Henley & Partners described the United States as “one of the few top-ranked passports whose citizens still require a visa to visit China.”

Canadian citizens have been permitted to visit China without a visa since February 2026. They can stay for up to 30 days under the arrangement.

Singapore Remains the Global Leader

Singapore continues to hold the world’s strongest passport, providing access to 192 destinations.

Japan ranks second with access to 188 destinations, sharing the position with South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. Sweden holds third place with access to 187 destinations.

Canada shares seventh place with Australia, Czechia, Latvia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Slovakia and Slovenia.

The United States shares 10th place with Iceland.

Tied positions resulted in 38 countries appearing within the top 10 ranking groups. European countries accounted for 29 of them, while the remaining countries came from Asia, North America and Oceania.

Most leading passports either maintained their level of access or added one destination between January and July.

The United Arab Emirates recorded the largest improvement, climbing from fifth to second place. Several countries, including Switzerland, Croatia, Slovakia and Iceland, lost access to one destination and moved down a ranking tier.

How the Index Works

The index uses International Air Transport Association data and additional research by Henley & Partners. It compares 199 passports across 227 destinations.

A destination counts toward a passport’s score when travellers can enter without a visa, obtain a visa on arrival or visitor permit, or use an electronic travel authorization.

Destinations requiring a visa or e-visa before departure are not counted. Henley & Partners updates the rankings monthly.

Applying for a Canadian Passport

Only Canadian citizens can receive a Canadian passport. Most foreign nationals must first become permanent residents and later qualify for citizenship.

Permanent residents generally need to spend at least 1,095 days in Canada during the previous five years. They must also meet other citizenship requirements, complete the citizenship test when required and take the oath at a citizenship ceremony.

After receiving a citizenship certificate, they may apply for a passport online, by mail or at a passport office or Service Canada Centre.

Beginning April 1, 2026, applicants are entitled to receive their passport within 30 business days or have their application fee waived.