Life in Canada
Canada’s Passport Ranked Among the Most Powerful in 2024
In international travel, Canada continues to assert its prominence by securing one of the world’s most powerful passports in 2024. As we delve into the Passport Index’s annual Global Passport Power Rank for this year, it’s evident that Canada holds a distinguished position, showcasing its global influence.
Canada’s Passport Ranking
Despite trailing behind the United States and the United Kingdom, Canada proudly claims its spot in the seventh-highest grouping on the Passport Index. This grouping includes esteemed nations such as Malta, Lithuania, Slovenia, Estonia, and Australia.
The Passport Index assessed the passports of 193 UN member states and six territories, evaluating their Mobility Score (MS) based on visa-free and visa-on-arrival privileges. Canada’s passport holders boast a commendable MS of 173, affording them visa-free access to 124 countries, visa-on-arrival for 49 countries, and Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for 7 countries.
However, it’s essential to note that Canadians may require a visa before arrival in 25 countries, including destinations like China, Syria, Egypt, and the Russian Federation.
Here are the 10 Most Powerful Passports for 2024
Rank | Countries | Destinations |
1 | France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Spain | 194 |
2 | Finland, South Korea, Sweden | 193 |
3 | Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands | 192 |
4 | Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, UK | 191 |
5 | Greece, Malta, Switzerland | 190 |
6 | Australia, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Poland | 189 |
7 | Canada, Hungary, US | 188 |
8 | Estonia, Lithuania | 187 |
9 | Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia | 186 |
10 | Iceland | 185 |
International Rankings and Noteworthy Comparisons
While Canada takes its place in the seventh group, the United States and the United Kingdom surpass it with MS scores of 174 and 175, respectively. At the pinnacle of the passport power hierarchy, the United Arab Emirates claims the title of the most powerful passport with an impressive MS of 180. Conversely, Syria finds itself at the bottom with a Mobility Score of 40.
European countries overwhelmingly dominate the top rankings, with Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands forming the second group. Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg, Austria, and Switzerland constitute the third, followed by Denmark, Belgium, Portugal, Poland, and Ireland in the fourth group, all boasting a robust MS of 176.
World’s 10 Least Influential Passports
In the realm of international travel, passport strength plays a pivotal role in determining the ease of access individuals have to different parts of the world. According to the Henley Passport Index, an annual compilation by Henley & Partners, a prominent global citizenship and residence advisory firm based in London, the following passports are recognized as the world’s least powerful, limiting their bearers’ global mobility.
Countries | Score |
Iran, Lebanon, Nigeria, Sudan | 45 |
Eritrea, Sri Lanka | 43 |
Bangladesh, North Korea | 42 |
Libya, Nepal, Palestinian Territory | 40 |
Somalia | 36 |
Yemen | 35 |
Pakistan | 34 |
Iraq | 31 |
Syria | 29 |
Afghanistan | 28 |
The Henley Passport Index’s Extensive Reach
The Henley Passport Index stands as an authoritative benchmark, offering a panoramic view of global mobility by assessing 227 destinations and scrutinizing the strength of 199 passports worldwide. Renowned for its meticulous approach, the index delves into the landscape of international travel, yielding valuable insights that extend beyond a mere ranking.
In its comprehensive evaluation, the Henley Passport Index goes beyond a quantitative analysis of passport strength. It serves as a dynamic tool, capturing the essence of evolving global dynamics, diplomatic relations, and the ever-changing landscape of visa regulations.
As a compass for global mobility, the Henley Passport Index goes beyond the numerical, offering a qualitative exploration of the interplay between nations and their willingness to embrace global citizens. By including 199 passports, the index reflects not just as a ranking system but as a global narrative, weaving together the stories of nations and their willingness to open doors or set limits.
Canada’s Passport Legacy
As we navigate the intricacies of global mobility, Canada’s passport remains the world’s most powerful passport in 2024 and a symbol of international influence. With a robust Mobility Score and a notable position in the Passport Index, Canada’s passport power underscores its global standing in 2024.