International rankings suggest Canadian passport continues to lose power

Canada’s passport has seen another drop in global standing, according to the latest Henley Passport Index (HPI) update released on July 22. Here's a summary of the current situation:

🔻 Declining Ranking

Canada now ranks 8th globally in passport strength, tied with Estonia and the United Arab Emirates.
This is a drop from 7th place in the previous update.
The Canadian passport now allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations, out of a possible 227.

📉 Losing Power Over Time

Canada’s score has declined by 4 points over the past decade.
It has lost 1 point just since the beginning of this year, signaling a continuing downward trend.

📊 Among the Fastest Decliners

Canada is among the countries with the fastest-declining passport scores, grouped with:

📌 Data Source

The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports and bases its data on information from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The decline reflects broader geopolitical and travel policy shifts, and may influence both travel planning and international mobility considerations for Canadian citizens.

According to a statement from Henley & Partners, which manages the Henley Passport Index, the decline in passport power for countries like Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. reflects a broader global trend.

🌍 Shift in Global Mobility Power

The release notes:

“Traditional mobility champions are losing ground in an increasingly multi-polar world.”

Emerging economies are reshaping global mobility dynamics by:

Liberalizing visa regimes
Investing in diplomatic relationships

In contrast, legacy powers such as the United Kingdom and United States are described as:

“Retreating behind more restrictive entry policies.”

📉 Decline in Rankings

The U.K. and U.S. each dropped one spot in the global rankings since January.
- U.K. is now ranked 6th.
- U.S. has fallen to 10th.

This marks a continued decline from their former dominance:

U.K. held the top spot in 2015.
U.S. was ranked #1 in 2014.

The data suggests a strategic shift in global travel access, where emerging economies are gaining influence while traditional Western powers experience diminishing mobility strength — a reflection of broader geopolitical and diplomatic realignments.

The latest Henley Passport Index update paints a clear picture of shifting global dynamics in travel freedom and geopolitical influence:

🇺🇸 U.S. Passport on the Brink

For the first time in the index’s 20-year history, the United States is at risk of falling out of the global top 10.
Once ranked #1 in 2014, the U.S. passport now sits at 10th place, with its power steadily declining amid increasingly restrictive immigration policies.

🌏 Asia-Pacific Leading the Way

Singapore, Japan, and South Korea now hold the top three spots on the index, reflecting their growing global mobility power.
These are followed by 15 European countries, rounding out the top ranks.

✈️ Surge in Travel Demand

The Asia-Pacific region is a key driver of global air travel demand.
- Global air travel grew 5.8% in the first five months of 2025.
- Asia-Pacific airlines outpaced this, with a notable 9.5% growth, signaling strong regional momentum in tourism and business travel.

🗣️ Henley & Partners’ CEO on the Shift

“Your passport is no longer just a travel document — it’s a reflection of your country’s diplomatic influence and international relationships,”
— Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO, Henley & Partners.

He emphasizes that in today’s world of rising inequality and geopolitical uncertainty, strategic mobility and citizenship planning are becoming essential tools — not just for individuals, but for nations looking to maintain global relevance.

🧭 Key Takeaway

As emerging economies open their borders and build stronger global alliances, passport power is becoming a new measure of geopolitical strength — one that countries like the U.S., U.K., and Canada are beginning to lose grip on.

International rankings suggest Canadian passport continues to lose power