Canada ranks top 10 among world’s best passports in 2026

Henley & Partners released its latest global passport rankings, and Canada has once again secured a spot among the world’s most powerful passports. For 2026, Canada ranked eighth out of nearly 200 passports reviewed. Canadian passport holders can now travel to 181 destinations without applying for a visa in advance.

This result places Canada ahead of the United States, which landed in tenth position this year. The ranking highlights Canada’s steady global standing and its strong international travel access.

How the Rankings Work

The annual index compares passports based on how many destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa. This count includes places that allow visa-free entry, visas on arrival, visitor permits, or electronic travel authorizations.

This year’s list shows many shared positions. A total of 38 passports appeared in the top 10 because several countries tied at the same ranks. European countries dominated the list, with 29 passports earning top-tier status.

Canada shared eighth place with Iceland and Lithuania. All three countries offer the same level of visa-free access, which earned them identical scores.

Canada’s Recent Ranking History

Canada’s position has shifted slightly over the past year. Early in 2025, Canada ranked seventh. It dropped to eighth by mid-year and slipped to ninth toward the end of 2025. The new 2026 ranking shows Canada moving back up, returning to a position it last held in the middle of 2025.

This steady performance reflects Canada’s continued global connections and strong diplomatic ties.

Who Leads the List in 2026

Asian countries topped the rankings again this year. Singapore held first place, offering access to 192 destinations. Japan and South Korea followed closely behind in second place.

Several European countries shared third place, including Denmark, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Many of these countries climbed higher compared to last year, showing improved travel access for their citizens.

Australia ranked just above Canada in seventh place, while Malaysia and the United States followed Canada in ninth and tenth positions.

The U.S. Sees a Modest Comeback

The United States returned to the top 10 after falling to 12th place last year. Despite the recovery, long-term trends show a decline. Over the past two decades, the U.S. passport has lost more visa-free access than almost any other country.

While Americans can visit 179 destinations without a visa, the U.S. allows visa-free entry to citizens of only 46 countries. This gap places the country far lower when measuring openness to visitors.

At the Bottom of the List

Afghanistan ranked last again in 2026. Afghan passport holders can access only 24 destinations without a visa, the lowest number on the index.

Why a Canadian Passport Matters

Beyond travel freedom, a Canadian passport gives citizens the right to live in Canada permanently, travel freely in and out of the country, and vote in elections. Recent changes to citizenship laws have also expanded eligibility for Canadians born abroad.

Canadians who qualify can apply in person or by mail, with processing times as short as 10 business days for in-person applications.