A Look at the Global Rankings
So how does Canada stack up against the rest of the world? This year, Singapore leads the pack, offering visa-free access to 195 destinations. Japan follows closely with 193 destinations. Meanwhile, Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list, with visa-free access to just 26 destinations.
The UAE stands out as one of the biggest movers over the last decade, gaining visa-free access to 72 new destinations and securing the tenth spot this year.
How the Rankings Are Determined
The Henley Passport Index evaluates the visa-free access of 199 passports to 227 destinations. A destination is considered visa-free if travelers can enter without prior approval, obtain a visa on arrival, or meet minimal requirements like an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). On the other hand, destinations requiring a traditional visa or an e-visa are excluded. The data is sourced from the International Air Transport Association and supplemented by Henley & Partners’ research team.
What It Takes to Get a Canadian Passport
If you don’t already have a Canadian passport, you’ll need to become a Canadian citizen first. Here’s a quick rundown of what that process looks like:
- Born in Canada: If you were born in Canada, you’re automatically eligible for citizenship.
- Born Outside Canada: If one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth, you might inherit citizenship.
- Becoming a Citizen Through Naturalization:
-First, you’ll need to gain permanent residency (PR). There are multiple immigration pathways to achieve this, such as Express Entry or family sponsorship.
-After becoming a permanent resident, you must meet additional requirements, including:
-Living in Canada for at least three out of the last five years.
-Filing and paying taxes.
-Passing the citizenship test.
-Taking the citizenship oath.
The naturalization process typically takes over three years, but the end result—a Canadian passport that unlocks global travel opportunities—is well worth the effort.
The Canadian passport is a gateway to freedom and exploration, giving travelers access to nearly 200 destinations worldwide. From visiting Brazil to exploring historic landmarks in Egypt, Canadians have plenty of opportunities to expand their horizons.
