Canada Passport Ranking: Top 10 Most Powerful in 2026

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="c2dea7b4-d409-4c41-9963-60d5609e9bb6" data-testid="conversation-turn-248" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Canada’s passport remains one of the world’s most powerful, securing eighth place in the 2026 Henley Passport Index. Canadian citizens can travel visa-free to 181 destinations, surpassing the United States, which now ranks tenth. This reinforces Canada’s strong global mobility advantage.

Leading Passports in 2026 This year, 38 passports occupy the top ranks due to ties , with 29 belonging to European countries. Canada shares its eighth-place ranking with Iceland and Lithuania, all reflecting a visa-free access score of 181. Singapore tops the list, offering visa-free travel to 192 destinations, while Japan and South Korea share second place with access to 188 destinations each. European nations dominate the third and fourth ranks, including Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and several others.

The US passport rebounded into the top 10 after falling to 12th last year, marking its first absence from this elite group in two decades. Over the past year, the US experienced its largest annual loss in visa-free access, reflecting one of the most significant ranking declines in the past 20 years. At the other end of the spectrum, Afghanistan remains last, providing visa-free access to just 24 destinations.

How the Rankings Are Calculated The Henley Passport Index uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), enhanced by Henley & Partners. Each passport receives a “visa score” based on the number of destinations accessible without a visa. Visa-free destinations include countries offering visa-free entry, visa on arrival, visitor permits, or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Destinations requiring visas or e-visas are excluded.

Applying for a Canadian Passport To obtain a Canadian passport, applicants must be Canadian citizens by birth, naturalization, or descent. Following Bill C-3, passed in December 2025, first-generation limits on citizenship by descent were removed, expanding eligibility for many individuals . Canada Visa provides an online tool to check eligibility under this legislation.