The Pakistani passport now offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 countries, according to the latest data from Henley & Partners, a leading global citizenship and residence advisory firm.
This development reflects a modest boost in Pakistan’s international mobility, with the passport now ranked 100th out of 199 countries on the Henley Passport Index.
Coinciding with the rankings update, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate easier travel for diplomatic and official passport holders.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday, grants mutual visa exemptions for diplomats and government officials from both nations. Once implemented, Pakistani diplomats and officials traveling to the UAE will no longer need to go through extended visa application procedures — a move expected to enhance bilateral cooperation and ease diplomatic travel.
List of 32 Countries Offering Easier Access
According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, Pakistani citizens can now travel to 32 countries without needing a pre-approved visa. These include several African, South Asian, Caribbean, and Pacific nations. Some of the countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry include:
- Africa & Indian Ocean Region: Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique, Burundi, Comoro Islands, Sierra Leone, Somalia
- South and Southeast Asia: Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Timor-Leste
- Caribbean Region: Dominica, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat
- Pacific Islands: Micronesia, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Niue, Cook Islands
- Others: Qatar, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde Islands, Djibouti
While most of these destinations may not be primary choices for Pakistani tourists, officials consider this gradual increase in visa-free countries a step forward in improving global travel access for Pakistani passport holders.
Clarifying Visa Terms
The advisory also explained the differences in visa types.
- Visa-free entry means travelers do not require a visa at all.
- Visa-on-arrival means a visa is issued upon entry at the destination.
- E-visa allows travelers to apply online prior to travel.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a pre-arrival clearance that is simpler than a full visa.
Despite these gains, Pakistan’s passport still ranks low in South Asia. In contrast, Indian passport holders enjoy visa-free access to over 60 destinations, and Bangladeshi citizens to about 42.
Globally, Singapore maintains the top spot, offering visa-free access to 193 countries. It is followed by Japan and South Korea (190 destinations each), while several European countries such as Germany, France, and Spain share third place with 189 accessible destinations.
