Pakistan has released details of its visa exemption agreements with various countries, under which holders of certain categories of passports can travel without obtaining a visa.
According to details issued by the Ministry of Interior, Pakistan has visa exemption agreements with several countries. However, the facility is primarily available to holders of diplomatic, official and special official passports.
Argentina, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia among countries on the list
According to the released list, Pakistan’s visa exemption agreements include Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Qatar and Nepal, among others.
Under these agreements, citizens holding specific categories of passports from both countries are provided travel facilities to facilitate official visits, diplomatic activities and bilateral cooperation.
Duration of stay varies under agreements
Officials said the duration of visa-free stays varies according to the agreement signed with each country. For some countries, the permitted visa-free stay ranges from a few weeks to up to three months.
The facility is aimed at facilitating exchanges of official delegations, strengthening diplomatic relations and promoting cooperation in various sectors.
Instructions issued to FIA and other relevant agencies
The Ministry of Interior has provided the updated list of visa exemption arrangements to relevant institutions, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
The relevant authorities will take these arrangements into account while checking passengers’ travel documents at airports and other points of entry.
Visa still required for ordinary Pakistani passport holders
Authorities clarified that these agreements should not be interpreted as visa-free travel for ordinary Pakistani citizens.
Pakistani citizens travelling abroad on ordinary passports will remain subject to the visa policies of the respective countries and will have to obtain visas through the regular procedure where required.
Visa facilities aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties
According to the government, visa exemption agreements with various countries are intended to strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic relations, facilitate official contacts and promote bilateral cooperation.