The Pakistani passport now allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 countries, according to the latest rankings released by Henley and Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm.
This marks a slight improvement in the passport’s global standing, currently ranked at 100th place among 199 countries.
The development coincides with a recent agreement signed between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan aimed at easing travel requirements for certain categories of travellers.
On Wednesday, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for mutual exemption of entry visas for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
In the past, passport fee in Pakistan were relatively low, but over time they have increased due to rising administrative costs, inflation, and improvements in passport security features. Today, passport offices are set up across major cities in Pakistan to facilitate applicants, making the process more accessible for people from different regions. If you are looking for detailed information not only about Updated passport offices fee, location, timing structure but also about embassies of different countries in Pakistan, as well as complete visa news and travel guides, official website std.com.pk. The website provides regularly updated details on passport fees, application requirements, embassy contacts, visa updates, and the latest travel-related news, ensuring that readers always have access to accurate and current information.
32 countries accessible without pre-approved visa
According to the Henley Passport Index 2025 update, Pakistani passport holders can currently travel to 32 countries without the need for a pre-approved visa. These destinations include a mix of African, Caribbean, and South Asian nations. Among the countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access are:
- African and Indian Ocean states: Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mozambique, Burundi, Comoro Islands, Sierra Leone, and Somalia
- South and Southeast Asia: Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Timor-Leste
- Caribbean nations: 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
Although many of these countries are not primary tourist destinations for Pakistani travellers, officials say the increase in visa-free destinations indicates incremental progress in global travel mobility for Pakistani citizens.
Understanding visa classifications
The advisory also clarified various travel access types. Visa-free means no visa is required to enter a country. "Visa on arrival" refers to visas issued upon landing at the destination, while "e-visa" systems allow travellers to apply and receive visas online before departure. Some countries may also require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which is a pre-approval formality short of a full visa.
Despite the recent improvements, Pakistan’s passport remains among the lowest-ranked in South Asia. In comparison, Indian passport holders have visa-free access to over 60 destinations, while Bangladeshis can access around 42 countries.
In contrast, the Singaporean passport has retained its top ranking globally, offering visa-free access to 193 destinations. It is followed by Japan and South Korea, each granting their citizens access to 190 countries. Several European countries—including Germany, France, and Spain—rank jointly at third, with 189 visa-free destinations.
