The Canadian passport is now ranked 6th globally, ahead of the United States, which is now in 7th place, according to the latest Henley Passport Index.
This exciting development showcases Canada’s strong international presence and its dedication to providing global mobility to its citizens.
Let’s dive into the details of this significant achievement.
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Canadian Passport Ranking
- 2023 Ranking: Canada’s passport now holds the 6th spot on the Henley Passport Index.
- Visa-Free Access: Canadians can travel to 186 countries without needing a visa.
- Passport Redesign: A redesigned passport with advanced security features was introduced in May 2023.
Canada’s Passport Rankings Over the Years
Here’s a quick look at how the Canadian passport has made progress in recent years on the Henley Passport Index:
Year | Rank | Number of Countries Accessible |
2023 | 6 | 186 |
2022 | 8 | 185 |
2021 | 8 | 184 |
2020 | 9 | 183 |
2019 | 6 | 184 |
2018 | 6 | 185 |
2017 | 6 | 171 |
2016 | 6 | 172 |
2015 | 4 | 170 |
2014 | 2 | 173 |
In 2014, the Canadian passport held the prestigious 2nd position on the Henley Index but gradually settled at 6th place in 2016, maintaining this position for four years.
However, during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the passport slipped to the 8th and 9th spots due to health restrictions and border closures.
Canada’s Passport Upgrade in 2023
Canada unveiled a brand-new passport design in May 2023, featuring cutting-edge security measures.
This modernization is currently being implemented to enhance the safety and functionality of the passport.
Expanded Visa-Free Access
One of the most exciting aspects of this passport upgrade is the expanded visa-free access it offers to Canadian travelers.
With the new ranking of 6th place, Canadian passport holders can now explore 186 countries around the world without the hassle of obtaining a visa in advance.
List of Visa-Free Travel Countries
List of Visa-Free Countries For Canadian Citizens
Albania |
American Samoa ** |
Andorra |
Anguilla |
Antigua and Barbuda |
Argentina |
Armenia * |
Aruba |
Australia ** |
Austria |
Bahamas |
Bahrain * |
Bangladesh * |
Barbados |
Belarus |
Belgium |
Belize |
Bermuda |
Bolivia |
Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba |
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Botswana |
Brazil |
British Virgin Islands |
Brunei |
Bulgaria |
Burkina Faso * |
Burundi * |
Cambodia * |
Cape Verde Islands * |
Cayman Islands |
Chile |
Colombia |
Comoro Islands * |
Cook Islands |
Costa Rica |
Croatia |
Curacao |
Cyprus |
Czechia |
Denmark |
Djibouti * |
Dominica |
Dominican Republic |
Ecuador |
Egypt * |
El Salvador |
Estonia |
eSwatini |
Falkland Islands |
Faroe Islands |
Fiji |
Finland |
France |
French Guiana |
French Polynesia |
French West Indies |
Gabon * |
Georgia |
Germany |
Gibraltar |
Greece |
Greenland |
Grenada |
Guam |
Guatemala |
Guinea-Bissau * |
Guyana |
Haiti |
Honduras |
Hong Kong (SAR China) |
Hungary |
Iceland |
Indonesia * |
Iraq |
Ireland |
Israel |
Italy |
Jamaica |
Japan |
Jordan * |
Kazakhstan |
Kiribati |
Kosovo |
Kuwait * |
Kyrgyzstan |
Laos * |
Latvia |
Lebanon * |
Lesotho |
Liechtenstein |
Lithuania |
Luxembourg |
Macao (SAR China) |
Madagascar * |
Malawi * |
Malaysia |
Maldives * |
Malta |
Marshall Islands * |
Mauritania * |
Mauritius |
Mayotte |
Mexico |
Micronesia |
Moldova |
Monaco |
Mongolia |
Montenegro |
Montserrat |
Morocco |
Mozambique |
Myanmar * |
Namibia |
Nepal * |
Netherlands |
New Caledonia |
New Zealand ** |
Nicaragua |
Niue |
North Macedonia |
Northern Mariana Islands |
Norway |
Oman |
Pakistan ** |
Palau Islands * |
Palestinian Territory |
Panama |
Paraguay * |
Peru |
Philippines |
Poland |
Portugal |
Puerto Rico |
Qatar |
Reunion |
Romania |
Rwanda |
Samoa * |
San Marino |
Sao Tome and Principe |
Saudi Arabia * |
Senegal |
Serbia |
Seychelles * |
Sierra Leone * |
Singapore |
Slovakia |
Slovenia |
Solomon Islands * |
Somalia * |
South Africa |
South Korea |
Spain |
Sri Lanka ** |
St. Helena * |
St. Kitts and Nevis |
St. Lucia |
St. Maarten |
St. Vincent and the Grenadines |
Suriname |
Sweden |
Switzerland |
Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) |
Tajikistan * |
Tanzania * |
Thailand |
The Gambia |
Timor-Leste * |
Togo * |
Tonga * |
Trinidad and Tobago |
Tunisia |
Turks and Caicos Islands |
Tuvalu * |
Ukraine |
United Arab Emirates * |
United Kingdom |
United States |
Uruguay |
US Virgin Islands |
Uzbekistan |
Vanuatu |
Vatican City |
Zambia * |
Zimbabwe * |
* visa on arrival
**eTA
13 Additional Visa-Free Countries
Canada isn’t stopping there. In June 2023, the Canadian government added 13 more countries to its list of visa-free nations. These countries include:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Costa Rica
- Morocco
- Panama
- Philippines
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
With these additions, Canada now allows citizens of 66 countries and territories to travel visa-free or with an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
The Power of the Canadian Passport in 2023
The Canadian passport stands tall as one of the most powerful passports globally. As of 2023, it grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 186 countries and territories.
This means that Canadian passport holders can explore a vast array of international destinations with ease.
Conclusion
The Canadian passport’s rise to 6th place on the Henley Passport Index is a significant milestone, reflecting Canada‘s strong international standing and commitment to facilitating global mobility for its citizens.
With expanded visa-free access to 186 countries and recent additions, Canadian travelers have more opportunities than ever to explore the world hassle-free.
This powerful passport reaffirms Canada’s position as a global leader in passport strength, making it an exciting time for Canadian travelers.