If you’re a Canadian traveler, you will be thrilled that Henley & Partners, the go-to residence and citizenship advice firm, just released their 2024 passport rankings. The Canadian passport has snagged the seventh spot among the world’s most powerful passports. This isn’t just a one-time thing either—Canada has held this rank for the second year in a row, tying with Czechia, Hungary, and Malta. With a Canadian passport, you can enjoy visa-free travel to 187 countries and plenty of work and study abroad opportunities. Even better, many Canadians can hold dual citizenship so that you might enjoy the benefits of two passports.
Singapore came in as first for the second time in a row, allowing passport holders to travel visa-free to 195 countries across the globe. France, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Germany took second place, allowing holders to travel to 192 countries visa-free. Canada took 7th position while the United States took the last spot among G7 countries in the 8th spot, letting passport holders visit 186 countries visa-free. Afghanistan took the last overall position, granting visa-free travel to only 26 countries.
A Legacy of Passport Strength
The Canadian passport has consistently offered substantial benefits to its holders, a trend reflected in Henley & Partners’ rankings over the years. Back in 2014, Canada’s passport was even ranked as the second best in the world for international mobility. Henley has produced these passport rankings for nearly two decades, and Canada has never fallen below the top 10. This historical consistency highlights the enduring power and prestige of a Canadian passport.
Whether you are exploring new travel destinations, seeking work opportunities abroad, or want to head there to further your studies, the Canadian passport continues to open doors worldwide. Its strong standing in global rankings ensures Canadian travelers enjoy significant freedom and flexibility, making it a valuable asset for globetrotters.
How Do You Obtain a Canadian Passport
Applying for a Canadian passport is a straightforward process but requires meeting specific criteria to ensure eligibility. Here’s a clear breakdown of the critical requirements you need to fulfill:
Apply for Citizenship
Before you can get a Canadian passport, you must be a Canadian citizen through birth, naturalization, or as a citizen by descent. If you’re not a citizen, you must apply for Canadian citizenship and complete all necessary steps, including providing proof of identity and residence.
Tax Filing
As a Canadian citizen, you must demonstrate that you are in good standing with Canadian tax obligations. Ensure you have filed all required tax returns and are current with applicable payments.
