The Canadian passport remains a powerful travel document, ranking among the top in global mobility according to the 2024 Henley Passport Index.
This year, it holds the 7th position, tied with the United States, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations worldwide.
In a world where travel barriers exist, the Canadian passport represents freedom, opportunity, and seamless mobility.
How Did the Canadian Passport Fare Over the Years?
- In 2023, the Canadian passport ranked 8th overall, but briefly climbed to 6th in September, surpassing the United States.
- 2024 sees Canada regain momentum, further showcasing the strength of its international relations and travel accessibility.
What is the Henley Passport Index?
The Henley Passport Index ranks the world’s most powerful passports based on IATA data.
Learn more about the 2024 results and your country’s ranking โถ๏ธ https://t.co/apatHWaZ7J pic.twitter.com/k3pOmdQlTy
โ IATA (@IATA) July 28, 2024
The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without a prior visa.
Itโs an essential metric that reflects the real-world value of passports in enabling global access, mobility, and new opportunities.
Canadian Passport: Visa-Free Travel Destinations
Holders of Canadian passports enjoy visa-free access to the following countries:
Region
Countries
Europe
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Vatican City
North America
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Greenland, Grenada, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands, United States
South America
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay
Asia
Brunei, Georgia, Hong Kong (SAR China), Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macao (SAR China), Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Uzbekistan
Africa
Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Gabon, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Reunion, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, The Gambia
Oceania
American Samoa (eTA), Australia (eTA), Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Micronesia, New Caledonia, New Zealand (eTA), Northern Mariana Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Middle East
Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestinian Territory, Tรผrkiye
Canadian travelers can explore a diverse mix of destinations across continents.
The strong diplomatic ties between Canada and countries in Europe and Oceania are evident.
eTA-based access to countries like Australia highlights modernized travel cooperation.
Countries with Visa-on-Arrival for Canadians
In addition to visa-free access, Canadians can secure visas upon arrival in these countries:
Region
Countries
Asia
Armenia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Timor-Leste, Saudi Arabia
Middle East
Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates
Africa
Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Zimbabwe
Oceania
Marshall Islands, Palau Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu
South America
Paraguay
Visa-on-arrival access boosts last-minute travel flexibility.
Regions like Asia and the Middle East reflect increasing openness to Canadian travelers.
Countries with E-Visa Options for Canadians
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Some destinations require an e-visa application:
Region
Countries
Africa
Benin, Cameroon, Guinea, Uganda
Asia
Azerbaijan, India, Vietnam
Oceania
Papua New Guinea
e-Visas ,simplify pre-travel formalities.
Nations like India and Vietnam highlight strengthened Canada-Asia ties.
Countries Requiring Full Visas
Travel to these destinations requires prior visa approval:
Region
Countries
Africa
Algeria, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Democratic Republic), Congo (Republic), Cรดte dโIvoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ghana, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, South Sudan, Note: Some African countries have complex visa processes due to political instability or limited diplomatic relations.
Asia
Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, Iran, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Yemen, Note: Stringent visa policies in these Asian countries often stem from security concerns or diplomatic considerations.
Americas
Cuba, Venezuela, Note: Visa requirements in these countries may be influenced by political relations and regional policies.
Oceania
Nauru, Niue, Note: Entry requirements for these Pacific island nations can vary, and it’s advisable to consult official sources before travel.
Europe
Russian Federation, Note: Geopolitical factors contribute to the visa requirements for Canadians traveling to Russia.
These countries typically enforce stricter entry requirements for most nationalities.
Why Passport Ranking Matters?
A strong passport is more than a travel document; it symbolizes freedom, opportunity, and global citizenship. Canadaโs position reflects its robust diplomatic relationships, prioritization of inclusivity, and global cooperation.
In 2024, the Canadian passport remains a beacon of strength in international travel, empowering its holders to explore and connect with the world like never before.
Overarching Trends in the 2024 Henley Passport Index
Canadaโs Climb to 7th Place
Canadaโs improved ranking from 2023 (8th place) reflects ongoing diplomatic initiatives and strengthened global partnerships.
Tying with the United States highlights parity with a global superpower in terms of mobility, which is a significant achievement.
Mobility as a Symbol of Power
The ability to travel freely is increasingly viewed as a measure of soft power. Canadaโs passport allows its citizens unprecedented global reach, fostering opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Enhanced Global Citizenship
A strong passport facilitates not just leisure travel but also critical opportunities for international business, education, and cultural exchange, reinforcing Canadaโs role in promoting inclusivity and global cooperation.
Digital Transformation in Travel
The rise of e-visas and visa-on-arrival systems indicates a global pivot toward accessible and efficient travel, areas where Canadian citizens stand to benefit greatly.
