Do Canadian citizens need a visa to visit the United States, UK, or Europe?

Canadian citizens do not need a visa for the United States for stays up to 6 months for tourism or business. For the UK, Canadians need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as of 2024, but no visa for stays up to 6 months. For Europe's Schengen Area (26 countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy), Canadians can travel visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days. Starting in 2025, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will be required for entry.

Which countries require Canadian passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in advance for 20 countries including: Afghanistan, Algeria, Brazil, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo (Republic), Eritrea, Ghana, Iran, Libya, Mali, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen. Additionally, some countries like India, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Myanmar offer e-visa options that must be obtained before travel.

Can Canadians travel to Russia, China, or Brazil without a visa?

No. Canadian passport holders require a visa in advance for Russia, China, and Brazil. For Russia, you must apply at a Russian consulate or visa center. For China, tourist/business visas are required unless transiting for less than 24 hours in certain cities. Brazil requires Canadians to obtain an e-visa online before travel, which typically takes 5 business days to process. These requirements have been consistently enforced as of 2025.

Do Canadian citizens have mandatory military service obligations?

No. Canada does not have mandatory military service. The Canadian Armed Forces operate on a voluntary basis only. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can choose to enlist, but there is no conscription or compulsory military service requirement. Canada abolished conscription after World War II, and there are no current plans to reinstate it.

Can Canadian passport holders work in other countries without a work permit?

Generally, no. While Canadian passport holders enjoy visa-free travel to 183 destinations, this typically allows only tourism or short business visits. Working legally in another country almost always requires a separate work permit or visa. Exceptions include: Canadian citizens under 35 can access Working Holiday Visas in 30+ countries through International Experience Canada (IEC) agreements. Some countries like the USA offer TN visas for Canadian professionals under USMCA. Always verify work authorization requirements with the destination country's immigration authorities.

How long does it take to renew a Canadian passport in 2025?

As of 2025, standard Canadian passport renewal takes approximately 20 business days when applying in Canada by mail, and 10 business days for in-person applications at Service Canada or passport offices. Expedited service (2-9 business days) and express service (same day or next day) are available for additional fees. Processing times may vary during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays). Applications from outside Canada through Canadian embassies typically take 20 business days or longer. Check the Government of Canada website for current processing times before travel.

What documents do I need to renew my Canadian passport?

To renew a Canadian passport, you need: (1) Completed passport application form (PPTC 153 for adults or PPTC 155 for children); (2) Your most recent Canadian passport; (3) Two identical passport photos taken within the last 6 months, signed by the photographer; (4) Proof of Canadian citizenship if your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago; (5) Payment for passport fees; (6) A guarantor and references if applying for the first time or if your previous passport is expired for more than 1 year. Simplified renewal is available if your passport expired less than 1 year ago.

Can Canadians visit Australia, New Zealand, or Japan without a visa?

Japan: Canadians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Australia: Canadians need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa before travel, which is typically approved within minutes and valid for multiple entries for up to 3 months per visit. New Zealand: Canadians require an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travel, which costs NZD $23 online and is usually approved within 72 hours, allowing stays up to 6 months. While not traditional visas, Australia and New Zealand require pre-travel electronic authorization.

Is the Canadian passport accepted for travel during COVID-19 or other health emergencies in 2025?

Yes, the Canadian passport remains valid for international travel in 2025, but entry requirements vary by country. Most countries have lifted COVID-19 restrictions, though some may still require proof of vaccination or health declarations. Always check: (1) The Government of Canada's Travel Advisories for your destination; (2) Destination country's current entry requirements via their official embassy or immigration website; (3) Transit country requirements if applicable; (4) Travel insurance coverage for health emergencies. Requirements can change rapidly during health emergencies, so verify information 72 hours before departure.

Canada Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 183 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

The Canadian passport ranks 9th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 destinations worldwide. Historically, Canada has maintained strong passport power, ranking as high as 2nd place in 2014 with 173 visa-free destinations and consistently remaining in the top 10 throughout the past two decades. Canadian passport holders enjoy excellent global mobility and extensive travel freedom, making it one of the world's most valuable travel documents for international access. This strong ranking reflects Canada's diplomatic relationships and provides citizens with significant advantages for business, tourism, and personal travel across multiple continents.

Global Rank

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

183

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for Canada passport

137

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Canadian Citizens

Popular destinations where Canada passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
France	Up to 90 days	FR
Japan	Up to 90 days	JP
United Kingdom	Up to 180 days	GB
Singapore	Up to 90 days	SG
Thailand	Up to 30 days	TH

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for Canada passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

137 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

36 countries

🔐 ETA Required

10 countries

💻 E-Visa

23 countries

❌ Visa Required

20 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

Canada's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 3 positions from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Obtain residency in Canada through qualified investments, with potential pathways to citizenship.

RBI Program Available

Official Canada Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

Government of Canada - Passports

🔗

Global Affairs Canada - Travel

🔗

Government of Canada - Travel and Tourism

🔗

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada - Passport Services

🔗

Travel.gc.ca - Travel Advice and Advisories

Compare Canada Passport with Other Passports

See how Canada's passport compares with other AMERICAS in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Canada (You are here)	#9	183	85/100	88/100
United States	#12	180	85/100	88/100
Chile	#16	175	75/100	92/100
Brazil	#19	169	67/100	81/100
Argentina	#19	169	72/100	81/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, Canadian passport holders can access 183 destinations without a prior visa. This includes visa-free access to approximately 147 countries, visa-on-arrival for 36 destinations, and electronic travel authorizations (ETAs) for 10 countries. Canada ranks 9th globally on the Henley Passport Index for 2025, making it one of the world's most powerful passports for international travel.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover Canada's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Canada Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 183 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to 90 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 180 days

Up to 90 days

Up to 30 days

Historical Ranking Trend

Canada's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 3 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare Canada Passport with Other Passports

See how Canada's passport compares with other AMERICAS in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
Canada (You are here)	#9	183	85/100	88/100
United States	#12	180	85/100	88/100
Chile	#16	175	75/100	92/100
Brazil	#19	169	67/100	81/100
Argentina	#19	169	72/100	81/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for Canada passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Canadian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Canada's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official Canada Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Canada Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Canadian passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do Canadian citizens need a visa to visit the United States, UK, or Europe?

Which countries require Canadian passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Canadians travel to Russia, China, or Brazil without a visa?

Do Canadian citizens have mandatory military service obligations?

Can Canadian passport holders work in other countries without a work permit?

How long does it take to renew a Canadian passport in 2025?

What documents do I need to renew my Canadian passport?

Can Canadians visit Australia, New Zealand, or Japan without a visa?

Is the Canadian passport accepted for travel during COVID-19 or other health emergencies in 2025?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for Canada passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for Canadian Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

Canada's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official Canada Passport & Travel Resources

Compare Canada Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can Canadian passport holders visit visa-free in 2025?

Do Canadian citizens need a visa to visit the United States, UK, or Europe?

Which countries require Canadian passport holders to obtain a visa in advance?

Can Canadians travel to Russia, China, or Brazil without a visa?

Do Canadian citizens have mandatory military service obligations?

Can Canadian passport holders work in other countries without a work permit?

How long does it take to renew a Canadian passport in 2025?

What documents do I need to renew my Canadian passport?

Can Canadians visit Australia, New Zealand, or Japan without a visa?

Is the Canadian passport accepted for travel during COVID-19 or other health emergencies in 2025?

Explore More Passport Rankings