ISLAMABAD (Friday, October 2025) – The Pakistani passport has experienced a slight drop in its global ranking, falling from 96th to 103rd position in the latest Henley Passport Index 2025. Despite the decline, Pakistani citizens can still enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 31 international destinations across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands.
According to the Henley Passport Index, Pakistan is now tied with Yemen, reflecting limited global mobility but continued access to several friendly nations. The updated list highlights the countries where Pakistanis can travel without a pre-approved visa, providing an important reference for frequent travelers, students, and businesspersons.
Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Access Explained
While Pakistan’s ranking has slipped, it still maintains valuable travel partnerships. The destinations fall under three main categories:
- Visa-Free – No visa is required before travel.
- Visa-on-Arrival – Travelers can obtain a visa upon arrival at the destination.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – Requires online pre-clearance before boarding.
These arrangements make it easier for Pakistani travelers to explore or conduct business in several parts of the world.
Full List of Countries Open to Pakistani Passport Holders in 2025
| Type | Countries |
| Visa-Free | Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, Micronesia, Montserrat, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Cook Islands, Vanuatu, Rwanda |
| Visa on Arrival | Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Maldives, Mozambique, Nepal, Niue, Palau Islands, Qatar, Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) | Kenya, Seychelles, Sri Lanka |
South Asian and Gulf Access Remains Strong
Among the accessible nations, Qatar, Maldives, and Nepal are particularly popular for Pakistani travelers due to short flight times and tourism-friendly policies. The Maldives continues to attract Pakistanis seeking leisure travel, while Qatar offers business and transit opportunities, especially following the expansion of flight routes via Doha.
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In South Asia, Nepal provides visa-on-arrival access, making it a convenient and affordable destination for tourists and adventurers.
African and Pacific Destinations Also Available
Beyond Asia, several African countries including Rwanda, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mozambique remain open to Pakistani nationals either visa-free or via on-arrival visas.
In the Pacific region, small island nations such as Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu continue to welcome Pakistani tourists under relaxed entry conditions — a reflection of ongoing diplomatic goodwill and cooperation.
Caribbean and Island Access for Pakistani Travelers
The Caribbean islands remain some of the most travel-friendly options for Pakistani citizens. Countries such as Dominica, Haiti, Montserrat, and Trinidad and Tobago allow visa-free entry, offering cultural tourism and business potential.
Travel experts note that while airfare may be high, the ease of entry helps Pakistanis looking to explore visa-friendly destinations beyond Asia.
Global Gold Standard: The Henley Passport Index
The Henley Passport Index evaluates 199 countries and territories based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It measures how many destinations a passport holder can access without obtaining a visa in advance.
In 2025, countries like Japan, Singapore, and Germany continue to top the index, while nations such as Pakistan, Yemen, and Afghanistan rank among the lowest. However, analysts emphasize that rankings do not necessarily reflect diplomatic influence but travel mobility based on mutual agreements.
Comparison with Previous Years
| Year | Pakistan Rank | Number of Visa-Free Destinations |
| 2023 | 106 | 29 |
| 2024 | 96 | 32 |
| 2025 | 103 | 31 |
Despite the fall from 96th to 103rd, Pakistan’s overall mobility score remains stable, showing consistent access to around 30 countries each year.
Why Pakistan’s Ranking Declined
According to experts, Pakistan’s ranking decline is primarily due to:
- Stricter visa policies from European and Western nations.
- Regional security perceptions affecting travel freedom.
- Limited new bilateral travel agreements in 2024–2025.
However, government officials continue to express optimism that new visa facilitation deals — particularly with Gulf and ASEAN countries — could improve Pakistan’s position in upcoming index releases.
Pakistani Travelers’ Growing Interest in Alternative Destinations
Travel agencies in Pakistan have reported a surge in interest for visa-on-arrival countries, especially in Asia and Africa. Destinations like Maldives, Sri Lanka (ETA), and Cambodia have become increasingly popular among Pakistani tourists and digital nomads.
Industry experts say that relaxed visa rules and affordable flight connections make these destinations ideal for short vacations and business trips.
Key Takeaways for Pakistani Travelers
| Category | Top Choice Countries | Remarks |
| Visa-Free | Dominica, Barbados, Rwanda | Simple entry, no pre-approval needed |
| Visa-on-Arrival | Qatar, Maldives, Nepal | Perfect for tourism and short visits |
| ETA | Sri Lanka, Kenya | Quick online process before travel |
What This Means for Pakistani Citizens
Although Pakistan’s passport ranking is among the lower tiers globally, it still provides opportunities for travel, business, and education without complex visa processes. The availability of visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries ensures that Pakistani travelers continue to enjoy international mobility — particularly within Asia and Africa.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have hinted at ongoing negotiations with additional countries to expand Pakistan’s travel access in the coming years.
Conclusion
While the latest Henley Passport Index 2025 shows a decline in Pakistan’s global standing, the access to 31 visa-free and visa-on-arrival destinations remains a valuable privilege. For Pakistani travelers, this means opportunities still exist to explore the world — from Asian landmarks to Caribbean beaches — without the long visa procedures that often discourage international travel.
Pakistan’s government aims to strengthen diplomatic relations and negotiate new travel agreements to improve mobility in upcoming years, providing citizens with broader global access and convenience.
