Canadian passport holders currently have broader visa-free access worldwide than their American counterparts, based on the latest data from the Henley Passport Index. Canada now holds the 9th position in the global ranking, while the United States has dropped to 12th, marking a rare shift in travel freedom between the two countries.
This change is partly attributed to an increase in reciprocal entry measures by other nations in response to recent U.S. visa restrictions and more complex entry procedures. As a result, Canadian travelers benefit from visa-free access to destinations such as Belarus, Papua New Guinea, and Uzbekistan, along with simplified entry into countries like Bolivia and Rwanda—advantages that are not available to U.S. citizens.
A closer look at the data reveals Canada ranks 32nd in terms of total visa-free destinations, while the U.S. stands at 37th. Just a year ago, both countries shared the same position at 26th, highlighting a clear shift in how global mobility is evolving for their citizens.
