31 Countries Where Pakistanis Can Travel Visa-Free. Despite challenges in its global mobility ranking, the Pakistani passport continues to open doors, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 30 destinations worldwide. According to the latest updates from the Henley & Partners Passport Index, Pakistani passport-holders are now tied with Yemen at 103rd place globally in 2025, down from 96th, with access to roughly 31–32 destinations.
That said, this still represents meaningful travel freedom for Pakistani citizens, especially in regions such as Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands. Below is a detailed look at this list, its significance, and things travellers should keep in mind.
Why it still matters
First, a few key points:
- The Henley Passport Index measures how many destinations a passport-holder can access without having to obtain a visa before departure.
- According to sources, Pakistan’s passport allows 31 visa-free destinations from one data set, and in other sources 32 destinations where Pakistani citizens can enter via visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-travel permit.
- While 31 or 32 destinations may sound modest compared with top-rank passports (which access 180+ destinations), it is nevertheless meaningful. It means fewer administrative barriers, less cost, and more spontaneity for travel to certain places.
For Pakistani travellers, these destinations represent opportunities: short-haul trips, exotic sun-and-sea breaks, nature-oriented escapes, or cultural visits where visa hurdles are low. They also reflect diplomatic relations, bilateral agreements and travel-policy liberalisation.
31 Countries Where Pakistanis Can Travel Visa-Free
Below is an approximate list of countries where Pakistan nationals can travel without obtaining a visa in advance (either fully visa-free or visa-on-arrival / e-traveller permit) based on available sources.
Visa-free or Visa-on-arrival / eTA countries for Pakistani passport-holders:
- Barbados (Caribbean)
- Burundi (Africa)
- Cambodia (Asia)
- Cape Verde Islands (Atlantic/Africa)
- Comoro Islands (Africa/Indian Ocean)
- Cook Islands (Pacific)
- Djibouti (Africa)
- Dominica (Caribbean)
- Guinea-Bissau (Africa)
- Haiti (Caribbean)
- Kenya (Africa)
- Madagascar (Africa)
- Maldives (Asia)
- Micronesia (Pacific)
- Montserrat (Caribbean)
- Mozambique (Africa)
- Nepal (Asia)
- Niue (Pacific)
- Palau Islands (Pacific)
- Qatar (Middle East)
- Rwanda (Africa)
- Samoa (Pacific)
- Senegal (Africa)
- Seychelles (Africa/Indian Ocean)
- Sierra Leone (Africa)
- Somalia (Africa)
- Sri Lanka (Asia)
- St. Vincent & the Grenadines (Caribbean)
- Timor-Leste (Asia/Oceania)
- Trinidad & Tobago (Caribbean)
- Tuvalu (Pacific)
- Vanuatu (Pacific)
Note: This includes both fully visa-free and visa-on-arrival or e-Travel Authorisation (eTA) arrangements. Different countries may have differing stay-periods, conditions and fees. For example, some are listed under “visa-free”, others under “visa on arrival”.
Patterns & regional breakdown
A few observations by region:
- Africa & Indian Ocean region: Many of the destinations fall in this region (e.g., Burundi, Djibouti, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Madagascar). These offer relatively easier access for Pakistani travellers seeking safari, nature or cost-effective trips.
- Asia/Pacific: Countries such as Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Palau, Niue, Cook Islands and Vanuatu show that even for South Asian passports there are islands and lesser-visited gems.
- Caribbean / Atlantic & Pacific island nations: Several small states like Barbados, Dominica, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago appear. These might not always have easy flight connectivity from Pakistan, but they offer interesting holiday options.
- Middle East / Gulf: Interestingly, Qatar appears — offering visa-on-arrival in some cases, which may be attractive given existing direct flight networks from Pakistan.
Why “31 Countries” and slight variation?
You might wonder why some references say “31 destinations” while others say “32” or even “33”. A few reasons:
- Data sources update at different times; entry policies change with bilateral agreements, new visa arrangements, or review of stay durations.
- Some lists include “e-Travel Authorizations” or “Visa on Arrival” under the same umbrella, others strictly count visa-free only.
- Some territories or island-states may be listed differently depending on whether they are fully independent, or special territories (e.g., Montserrat, Niue).
- Source variation: for example, one guide states “31 visa-free travel destinations for Pakistan passport holders” in one listing. Another states “32 countries where Pakistani passport holders can now travel without obtaining a visa in advance.”
In practical terms, it is safe to say “over 30” destinations, with around 31–32 as a benchmark currently.
Travel-tips and caveats for Pakistani passport-holders
While the list is promising, travellers should keep in mind a few important things to ensure smooth experience:
- Check current entry requirements: Even visa-free or visa-on-arrival access may require proof of onward/return ticket, accommodation booking, minimum days of passport validity, and proof of funds. Many sources caution that “travel documents can change”.
- Different types of entry: Visa-free, visa-on-arrival eTA. Make sure you know which applies, any fee, and the stay period allowed. Some destinations may still require pre-approval or online registration.
- Stay duration and purpose restrictions: The permitted stay may be short (30–90 days) and for tourism only; business or work may require separate permits. For example, one source outlines various durations (30 days, 90 days) by country.
- Flight connectivity and cost: Some of the countries (especially island-nations in the Pacific) may not have direct flights from Pakistan, making travel time/cost higher than expected.
- Passport validity: Many countries require passport validity of 6 months beyond arrival. And blank pages, onward travel and proof of accommodation may be needed.
- Diplomatic vs ordinary passports: Some agreements may apply only to diplomatic or official passport‐holders, not ordinary passport-holders. Always verify your category.
- Policy changes: Visa-arrangements can change quickly due to geopolitical shifts, pandemics, security considerations or bilateral negotiations. Always check with the destination’s embassy or the airline.
- Non-visa restrictions: Visa-free does not mean there will be no immigration checks. You may face questions about funds, purpose of visit, or even denial if criteria are not met.
- Travel insurance and health requirements: For some countries, vaccines (e.g., yellow fever) or travel insurance may be mandatory. One Wikipedia summary for Pakistani citizens lists these kinds of requirements.
- Recording your travel: Maintain digital and physical copies of your booking, onward ticket, etc. It may help in case of immigration scrutiny.
What does this mean for Pakistan’s travel-mobility & diplomacy?
The fact that Pakistan’s passport enables access to over 30 destinations indicates a number of underlying trends:
- Growing diplomatic engagements: Bilateral visa-agreements, improved relations, and efforts to liberalise travel have contributed. For example, Pakistan signed an agreement with the UAE for official and diplomatic passports.
- Global travel-mobility gap remains: While incremental, the number of accessible destinations remains far lower compared with high-ranking passports (which may access 180+ countries). For Pakistani citizens wanting to travel globally (especially to Europe, North America, East Asia), visa restrictions are still significant.
- Tourism & Business potential: The accessible list offers opportunities for tourism agencies, travel-planners, and Pakistani travellers to explore less traditional yet accessible destinations. Over time, greater mobility may enhance cultural exchange, economic ties and people-to-people links.
- Citizen empowerment & expectations: For ordinary Pakistani travellers, the prospect of more accessible destinations is psychologically important—it fosters a sense of global engagement and reduces the “locked-in” feeling that comes with heavy visa requirements.
Conclusion
While the travel-freedom of Pakistani passport-holders is modest compared with many Western or East-Asian passports, the fact remains: over 30 countries worldwide now allow Pakistan ordinary passport-holders to enter without a pre-travel visa (either fully visa-free or via visa-on-arrival/eTA). That’s 31–32 destinations as of mid-2025. For Pakistani travellers seeking easier holiday options, exploring lesser-visited destinations, or simply travelling with fewer visa-hurdles, this list is meaningful.
