Pakistani passport holders can now visit 31 countries without getting a visa in advance, using visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival (VOA), or electronic travel authorisation (eTA).
The expanded access has ranked the Pakistani passport 98th on the Henley Passport Index 2026, up from 100th place last year.
What has changed for Pakistani travellers?
The updated ranking reflects gradual improvements in Pakistan’s global mobility.
The country now shares its position with Yemen, with access covering parts of Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Officials and analysts link the change to improved diplomatic engagement and bilateral agreements.
Which regions are now easier to visit?
In Asia, Pakistanis can obtain visas on arrival in countries such as Nepal, Cambodia, the Maldives, Timor-Leste, and Qatar. Sri Lanka offers entry through an electronic travel authorisation system.
Across Africa, Rwanda allows visa-free entry, while several others, including Kenya and Seychelles, provide electronic permits. Many African nations also grant visas on arrival, making short visits simpler.
In the Americas and Caribbean, destinations such as Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago now allow visa-free access. Pacific island nations, including the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Vanuatu, are also on the list.
How significant is this improvement?
While Pakistan remains in the lower half of the global ranking, the broader access offers more flexibility for leisure, business, and short-term travel.
It reduces paperwork and waiting times, especially for tourists and small business travellers.
How does Pakistan compare globally?
Singapore continues to lead the Henley Index with visa-free access to 192 destinations. The United Arab Emirates has climbed to fifth place, while India now ranks 80th with access to 55 countries.
Travel experts say the expanded access is a positive step but note that further progress depends on sustained diplomatic efforts and policy stability.
For now, Pakistani travellers have more options than before, making international travel slightly easier and more predictable.
List of 31 countries
- Barbados (Visa-free)
- Burundi (VOA)
- Cambodia (VOA)
- Cape Verde Islands (VOA)
- Comoro Islands (VOA)
- Cook Islands (Visa-free)
- Djibouti (VOA)
- Dominica (Visa-free)
- Guinea-Bissau (VOA)
- Haiti (Visa-free)
- Kenya (ETA)
- Madagascar (VOA)
- Maldives (VOA)
- Micronesia (Visa-free)
- Montserrat (Visa-free)
- Mozambique (VOA)
- Nepal (VOA)
- Niue (VOA)
- Palau Islands (VOA)
- Qatar (VOA)
- Rwanda
- Samoa (VOA)
- Senegal (VOA)
- Seychelles (ETA)
- Sierra Leone (VOA)
- Sri Lanka (ETA)
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Visa-free)
- Timor-Leste (VOA)
- Trinidad and Tobago (Visa-free)
- Tuvalu (VOA)
- Vanuatu (Visa-free)
