It's much better than the ones from Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
It's not as good as the ones from Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Denmark.
And, it's tied with Iceland and Lithuania.
We're talking about the Canadian passport, which ranks as the 8th best in the world in the just-released Henley Passport Index for 2026.
Although, 8th is a bit of a misnomer because -- due to multiple ties for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th places -- there are actually 33 countries ahead of Canada with more powerful passports.
(See the list below).
Canada ranked as high as No. 2 in 2014 and has bounced around in the top 10 since then.
The Henley Passport Index is released annually this time of year by London, England-based global citizenship and residency consulting firm Henley & Partners.
It is considered the authoritative list because it's based on the International Air Transport Association's tracking of visa requirements in 227 countries and territories.
The bottom line is a Canadian passport gets you into 181 countries without a visa or with a visa granted upon arrival.
Visa upon arrival is a little extra step before you clear customs that usually carries a small fee and for you to fill out a form with your passport number and expiry and typically proof of a place to stay and return flight.
For comparison, Singapore is No. 1 with visa-free or visa-upon-arrival access to 192 countries for No. 2 Japan and South Korea it's 188 countries.
Essentially, all the top places Canadians travel on holiday and for business are visa-free or visa-on-arrival from Mexico, the US, the Caribbean, Europe and Australia to many countries in Central and South America, Asia and Africa.
"Our strong passport means we can visit so many places visa free and show our Canadian passport proudly," said travel agent Angela Brown of Penticton-based Savour Travel.
"Canadians are travelling more than ever and visiting many new places along with old favourites -- Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean."
However, travel to Europe is about to get more complicated for Canadians.
Starting Feb. 25, the United Kingdom requires an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for Canadian passport holders to enter.
It's quick and easy to apply online for $30, but it is an extra step.
Other European countries may be following suit later this year.
"It's great that Canada is in the top 10," said Amra Durakovic, head of communications at Flight Centre, which has travel agencies in Kelowna and Victoria.
"If it was based on how responsible Canadian tourists are and how well we are respected around the world, we'd be No. 1."
A powerful passport not only means the freedom to travel for holidays and business, but it's a bragging right and tends to reflect a country's wealth and standard of living.
Durakovic recommends travellers always check with their travel agent, airline or online to find out what requirements there are for entering any foreign country.
"Travel is thrilling and exciting," she said.
"But, you don't want to be surprised by requirements while trying to board a plane or at the customs counter."
The top 10:
1. Singapore -- enter 192 countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival
2. Japan and South Korea -- 188 countries
3. Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Luxembourg and Switzerland -- 186 countries
4. Belgium, Austria, Holland, Italy, Germany, France, Finland, Greece, Ireland and Norway -- 185 countries
5. Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia and Portugal -- 184 countries
6. Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Malta, New Zealand and Poland -- 183 countries
7. Australia, Latvia, the UK and Liechtenstein -- 182 countries
8. Canada, Iceland and Lithuania -- 181 countries
9. Malaysia -- 180 countries
10. United States -- 179 countries
The bottom 5:
97. Somalia -- 33 countries
98. Yemen and Pakistan -- 31 countries
99. Iraq -- 29 countries
100. Syria -- 26 countries
101. Afghanistan -- 24 countries
The full list of 199 passports ranked for 227 countries or destinations here.
