Canadian Passport Ranks 8th Globally, Down from 7th, Amid Global Shift in Mobility

Canada's passport has fallen to 8th place globally, tied with Estonia and UAE, with a score of 184 points. It has lost 4 points since 2010. The Henley Passport Index notes a broader trend of traditional mobility champions losing ground, as emerging economies liberalize visa regimes and invest in diplomatic capital. The US and UK have also dropped in rankings, with Singapore, Japan, and South Korea now in the top 3 spots.

Canada's passport has fallen to 8th place globally, tied with Estonia and the UAE, with a score of 184 points, according to the latest Henley Passport Index [1]. This marks a significant decline from its previous position, having lost 4 points since 2010. The Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on the number of visa-free destinations their holders can access, highlights a broader trend of traditional mobility champions losing ground as emerging economies liberalize their visa regimes and invest in diplomatic capital.

The United States and the United Kingdom have also experienced a decline in their passport rankings. The U.S. passport is now ranked at 10th, tied with Iceland and Lithuania, marking the lowest position in its 20-year history [2]. Similarly, the UK has dropped to 6th place, with visa-free access to 186 destinations [1].

The top three spots are now occupied by Singapore, Japan, and South Korea, with Singapore maintaining its position as the world's most powerful passport, allowing visa-free access to 193 destinations out of 227 globally [1]. This reflects a growing trend of Asian nations leading the global mobility race, with Japan and South Korea each granting their citizens access to 190 visa-free destinations.

The decline in Canada's passport ranking underscores the need for strategic diplomacy and proactive visa waiver negotiations to maintain and enhance global mobility. As emerging economies become more open, traditional mobility champions like Canada, the U.S., and the UK face increased competition. This trend is reshaping the investment migration landscape, with Americans and British nationals increasingly seeking alternative residence and citizenship options to secure greater global access and security [1].

References:
[1] https://www.henleyglobal.com/newsroom/press-releases/henley-global-mobility-report-july-2025
[2] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/u-passport-power-falls-global-220459018.html