Canadian passports are among the most powerful in the world. But how it ranks internationally might surprise you. Find out how many countries Canadians can enter without a visa.
Canadian passport holders are among the most jet-set travellers in the world. A quick flash of the navy-blue booklet not only identifies you, it grants you access to several countries around the world. Also, it often communicates that you’re nice to boot.
But just how strong is the Canadian passport compared to others? Find out where the Canadian passport ranks on the Henley Passport Index, what countries Canadians can visit without a visa, and more below.
What is the Henley Passport Index?
The Henley Passport Index ranks the power of 199 different passports—including the Canadian passport—and 227 different travel destinations. The index is based on data from the International Air Transport Association, which is updated whenever a visa-policy change comes into effect.
Passports are compared based on visa-free score. The score is a sum total of the number of countries citizens can visit without applying for a visa. It also counts countries where visitors can obtain a visa, visitor’s permit, or electronic travel authority (ETA) when entering the destination.
In other words, the higher the visa-free score, the more powerful the passport. Conversely, points are not granted when a country requires a visa. They are also not granted when a government-approved electronic visa (e-Visa) or government approval for a visa is needed before departure.
How the Canadian Passport Ranks in 2019
The Canadian passport ranks sixth on the Henley Passport Index. This means there are 183 countries Canadians can enter with their passport alone. In other words, there are 183 countries that don’t require Canadians to obtain a visa to visit.
The sixth position on the list is tied with six additional countries that also have visa-free access to 183 countries. These countries are Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Despite landing in 6th place, there are actually 15 countries with better scores than the Canadian passport, as seen in the chart below.
| Rank | Passport | # of Visa-Free Countries |
| 1 | Japan and Singapore | 189 |
| 2 | Finland, Germany, and South Korea | 187 |
| 3 | Denmark, Italy, and Luxembourg | 186 |
| 4 | France, Spain, and Sweden | 185 |
| 5 | Austria, Netherlands, Portugal, and Switzerland | 184 |
| 6 | Canada, Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Norway, United Kingdom, and United States | 183 |
| 7 | Malta | 182 |
| 8 | Czech Republic | 181 |
| 9 | Australia, Iceland, Lithuania, and New Zealand | 180 |
| 10 | Latvia, Slovakia, and Slovenia | 179 |
*Data pulled July 19, 2019.
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The Strongest Passports in the World
At the top of the Henley Passport Index are two countries that have visa-free access to 189 countries: Japan and Singapore. In second, with 187 visa-free entry countries, is a three-way tie between Finland, Germany, and South Korea. In third place, there’s another three-way tie between Denmark, Italy, and Luxembourg.
The results this year reflect several changes from previous years. For instance, last year the Canadian passport ranked third, with a visa-free score of 164. In first place was Singapore and Germany, tied with a score of 166.
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Passport Rankings as a Travel Resource
Beyond fun facts about passports, the Henley Passport Index is a useful travel tool. For example, on the website you can easily search your own passport—Canadian passport or otherwise—to see which countries allow visa-free access or otherwise.
The index also compares passports. This can be helpful if you are a dual citizen and want to quickly assess if you should travel with your Canadian passport or another one.
Travelling on a Canadian Passport
Canadian passports rank among the best in the world. Nonetheless, you should always make sure to check your destination’s entrance requirements prior to booking a flight. You don’t want to be surprised at the airport.
Also, most countries require passports to be valid for three to six months after the departure date. So be sure to check your Canadian passport expiry date and renew ahead of time if necessary.
How to Renew Your Canadian Passport
Ready to put your Canadian passport to use? Head over to the Skyscanner search engine for the best deals on flights, car rentals and hotels.
Also, if you’re still looking for inspiration, check out some of the best from our travel blog below.
- 12 Cheap Travel Destinations for Your Next Holiday
- Where to Travel in Asia as a Couple
- Travelling to Europe: The Best Countries for a Family Vacation
- The Best Places to Travel Solo in 2019
*Post updated July 19, 2019, with the most recent Henley Passport Index data. Always check the Government of Canada travel site and with destination authorities before booking your trip.
