Is The Canadian Passport Losing Power? Henley Index Shows It Slipped, But Still Ranks Above the US

Canada's passport is losing ground in the quest for global mobility, according to the latest Henley Passport Index. Despite remaining relatively high, the Canadian passport's ranking has slipped. Meanwhile, Asian passports continue to dominate the top spots, highlighting shifting international influence.

At the most recent update on 22 July 2025, Canada's passport scored 184 points on the Henley Passport Index. This score allows travellers to visit 184 out of 227 global destinations without a visa. The country is now tied with Estonia and the United Arab Emirates for the eighth position worldwide. This marks a drop from seventh place, when the index was last refreshed.

Since the start of 2025, Canada's passport has lost one additional point. Over the past decade, it has experienced a total decline of four points. The index, which evaluates 199 passports based on visa-free access, draws data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The trend reflects a broader shift in global mobility, with Canada's passport weakening relative to other nations.

Global Trends and Changing Power Dynamics

The recent data shows Canada's decline alongside other countries such as Venezuela, the United States, Vanuatu and the United Kingdom. These nations are experiencing some of the fastest drops in passport strength over the past ten years. According to Henley and Partners, the organisation behind the index, this highlights a move away from traditional 'global mobility leaders'.

A statement from Henley and Partners notes that 'traditional mobility champions are losing ground in an increasingly multi-polar world'. The statement emphasises that emerging economies are expanding their visa-free agreements and diplomatic influence. Conversely, countries like the UK and US are adopting more restrictive entry policies.

Shifts in the United Kingdom and United States

Both the UK and US have experienced a decline in their global rankings since January 2025. The UK now stands at sixth position, while the US ranks tenth. Historically, these nations held the top spots — the UK in 2015 and the US in 2014. The US is now close to falling out of the top ten for the first time in the index's twenty-year history.

The decline of these long-standing powers is notable, reflecting changing diplomatic priorities and the impact of global security concerns. Meanwhile, Asian countries like Singapore, Japan, and South Korea are now leading the rankings, with Singapore occupying the top position with access to 193 destinations.

Asian Passports Lead the Way

Asian passports continue to outperform their Western counterparts. Singapore's passport remains the strongest worldwide, followed by Japan and South Korea, which are tied for second place. The trend indicates increased diplomatic influence and open visa regimes among these nations.

The report also highlights that Asia-Pacific air travel grew by 9.5 per cent in the first five months of 2025. This regional growth underscores the rising importance of Asian countries in global mobility. The region's expanding economic influence is reflected in its passports' increasing strength.

Implications for International Travel and Diplomacy

The report from Henley and Partners states that 'your passport is no longer just a travel document — it's a reflection of your country's diplomatic influence and international relationships'. As global geopolitical dynamics evolve, so does the power of national passports.

While Canada's passport remains relatively strong, its recent decline signals a shift in global travel dynamics. Asian nations are increasingly shaping the landscape, with their passports allowing access to more destinations than ever before.