The Pakistani passport has climbed to the 100th position on the latest Henley Passport Index, marking a significant improvement from its 103rd ranking in the previous year. This advancement grants holders visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) access to 30 international destinations, according to Khaleej Times. The index, compiled using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), tracks global travel freedom monthly. While top-ranked nations like Singapore enjoy the highest level of entry, Pakistan's rise represents its strongest performance in recent years.
Which Destinations Are Visa-Free for Pakistani Passport Holders?
The updated travel framework allows eligible individuals to use visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or ETA protocols. The complete list of 30 destinations includes:
- Barbados
- Burundi (Visa on arrival)
- Cambodia (Visa on arrival)
- Cape Verde Islands (Visa on arrival)
- Comoro Islands (Visa on arrival)
- Cook Islands
- Djibouti (Visa on arrival)
- Dominica
- Guinea-Bissau (Visa on arrival)
- Haiti
- Kenya (ETA)
- Madagascar (Visa on arrival)
- Maldives (Visa on arrival)
- Micronesia
- Montserrat
- Nepal (Visa on arrival)
- Niue (Visa on arrival)
- Palau Islands (Visa on arrival)
- Rwanda
- Samoa (Visa on arrival)
- Senegal (Visa on arrival)
- Seychelles (ETA)
- Sierra Leone (Visa on arrival)
- Sri Lanka (ETA)
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- The Gambia
- Timor-Leste (Visa on arrival)
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu (Visa on arrival)
- Vanuatu
How Will the Pre-Immigration Clearance Pilot Work?
In addition to expanded destination access, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have established a pre-immigration clearance pilot project based in Karachi. This system processes all necessary immigration assessments and border checks before departure from South Asia, reducing administrative delays upon arrival at UAE ports of entry. The pilot aims to streamline travel for Pakistani citizens flying to the UAE.
Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to the UAE
In a related report by Legit.ng, travellers planning a trip to the UAE can benefit from one of the region's more accessible entry systems. Citizens of about 70 countries can enter the UAE without securing a visa before departure. The country's extensive air links, including Dubai International Airport—one of the busiest global aviation hubs—facilitate millions of visitors annually for tourism, business, and family visits. Entry arrangements vary by nationality, with some enjoying visa-free access and others obtaining a visa on arrival under specific conditions.
