2024 Ranking of World Passports

At Planet E Visa Solutions, we are dedicated to keeping you informed about the latest immigration and travel trends. Recently, Henley and Partners, a renowned residence and citizenship advisory firm, released their 2024 ranking of world passports. Using data from the International Air Transport Authority, the ranking highlights the power and prestige of passports around the globe. We're thrilled to share that the Canadian passport has been ranked as the seventh most powerful in the world this year!

The Strength of the Canadian Passport
The Canadian passport's impressive ranking is based on various criteria, including the number of visa-free travel options it offers. Canadian passport holders can enjoy visa-free travel to 187 countries, alongside numerous opportunities for work and study in many of these destinations. Additionally, many Canadians benefit from dual citizenship, which allows them to hold two passports simultaneously. This is the second consecutive year that the Canadian passport has held this esteemed position, tying with the passports of Czechia, Hungary, and Malta.

Top Performers in the 2024 Passport Rankings
This year, Singapore retained its top spot, providing visa-free travel to 195 countries. In second place, passports from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Spain offer visa-free access to 192 countries. Interestingly, the United States ranked last among G7 countries, falling to eighth place with visa-free access to 186 countries. At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan's passport allows visa-free travel to only 26 countries.

A History of Excellence
The Canadian passport has consistently provided significant benefits to its holders. Henley's rankings have consistently reflected the strength of the Canadian passport. In 2014, it was ranked as high as second in worldwide mobility. Over the nearly two decades of Henley's passport rankings, the Canadian passport has never fallen below the top 10.

How to Obtain a Canadian Passport: Become a Citizen First
To get a Canadian passport, you first need to become a Canadian citizen. For those not born in Canada, this involves obtaining permanent residency and meeting the physical presence requirements for citizenship. Specifically, you need to have lived in Canada for at least three out of the past five years, totaling approximately 1,095 days.

Note: If you are the child of a Canadian citizen, you may inherit citizenship status from your parent. Recent rules have expanded this eligibility to some children of Canadians born abroad.

After obtaining permanent residency and meeting the physical presence requirements, you'll need to fulfill additional criteria:

Tax Filing: Ensure you have filed and paid any outstanding taxes during your residency period.
Citizenship Test: Pass a Canadian citizenship test.
Language Proficiency: Prove your language skills in English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher.
Generally, it takes at least three years to secure Canadian citizenship through naturalization.

Applying for a Canadian Passport
Once you complete the citizenship ceremony and receive your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a Canadian passport. Every lawful Canadian citizen is eligible to apply, though ineligibility can occur due to issues such as misrepresentation, security concerns, human rights violations, or connections to organized crime.

The application process requires specific documents, including:

Proof of Canadian citizenship (citizenship certificate or Canadian birth certificate).
Any valid Canadian passport or travel document issued in your name.
Two references supporting your passport application.
A document confirming your identity.
Two identical passport-size photographs.
For first-time applicants, a guarantor is needed. The guarantor must meet specific requirements, which vary based on the type of passport and application location.
You can apply for a passport online or at a Service Canada centre, either by appointment or through walk-in service.

Why Choose Planet E Visa Solutions?
Navigating the path to Canadian citizenship and obtaining a passport can be complex. At Planet E Visa Solutions, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our expert team offers personalized advice and support to help you achieve your immigration goals.

Contact us today to start your journey towards unlocking the power of the Canadian passport!