Traveling internationally has become easier for Pakistani passport holders in 2025, despite some challenges in global rankings. According to the Henley Passport Index, Pakistan’s passport currently ranks 103rd globally, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 31-33 countries. While this represents a slight drop from previous years, it still allows Pakistani citizens to explore a wide range of destinations across the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
Whether you are planning a vacation, a business trip, or a cultural tour, understanding which countries are accessible without a visa can save time, effort, and costs. In this guide, we cover visa-free countries, visa-on-arrival destinations, and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) options for Pakistani travelers in 2025.
Pakistan Passport Ranking in 2025
In 2025, the Pakistani passport ranks 103rd in the global passport rankings, tied with Yemen. This ranking is based on the number of countries Pakistani citizens can access without prior visa arrangements. While Pakistan’s passport may not be among the world’s strongest, it still offers Pakistani travelers several visa-free destinations and easy access to countries providing visa-on-arrival or eTA.
The Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on travel freedom, is widely regarded as the benchmark for international mobility. Passport rankings reflect not only the diplomatic relationships of a country but also its security, governance, and international trust.
What Does Visa-Free Travel Mean?
Visa-free travel means that Pakistani passport holders can enter a foreign country without applying for a visa beforehand. Typically, the duration of stay ranges from a few days to a few months, depending on the country. Visa-free travel is ideal for tourism, short-term business trips, and cultural exchanges, allowing travelers to bypass lengthy embassy procedures.
Visa-free access provides several benefits:
- Saves time and paperwork by eliminating visa applications.
- Reduces travel costs associated with visa fees.
- Enhances mobility for tourism, business, or family visits.
Visa-Free Countries for Pakistan Passport Holders
As of 2025, Pakistani citizens can travel to 11 countries without a visa. These destinations are excellent options for quick getaways and long-term travel planning.
Visa-Free Destinations:
- Barbados
- Cook Islands
- Dominica
- Gambia
- Haiti
- Micronesia (Federated States of)
- Montserrat
- Rwanda
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vanuatu
Regional Insights:
- Caribbean: Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, Montserrat, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.
- Africa: Gambia, Rwanda.
- Pacific Islands: Cook Islands, Micronesia, Vanuatu.
Tip: Even if a country is visa-free, Pakistani travelers must comply with local duration-of-stay restrictions and travel purpose regulations.
Countries Offering Visa on Arrival
Visa-on-arrival allows Pakistani travelers to obtain a visa at the airport or border of the destination country. Unlike visa-free travel, this requires minimal processing upon arrival. Pakistanis can benefit from visa-on-arrival in 18 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.
Visa-On-Arrival Countries:
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cape Verde
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Guinea-Bissau
- Madagascar
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Niue
- Palau
- Qatar
- Samoa
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
Important Notes:
- Visa-on-arrival usually requires a fee and submission of passport and travel documents.
- The allowed duration of stay varies by country.
- Some countries may require proof of accommodation, return ticket, or vaccination.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Options
The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital pre-screening system for certain countries. Pakistani travelers must apply online before their trip to obtain approval.
Countries requiring eTA for Pakistanis:
- Kenya
- Sri Lanka
How eTA works:
- Submit basic personal and travel information online.
- Pay the eTA fee digitally.
- Receive confirmation electronically, which is linked to the passport.
- Usually allows multiple entries for a specified period.
eTA offers a faster, streamlined process than traditional visas and simplifies border entry for short-term visits.
Countries Requiring e-Visa or Regular Visa
While there are visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and eTA options, many countries still require Pakistani citizens to obtain an e-Visa or regular visa prior to travel.
Countries requiring e-Visa (55 countries) include:
- Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Israel, Thailand, Singapore, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Tanzania, and more.
Countries requiring a regular visa (143 countries) include:
- United States, United Kingdom, Canada, European Union nations, Japan, South Korea, India, China, Russia, and most African and Latin American countries.
Visa applications may involve:
- Filling out an online or paper form.
- Submitting a passport, photographs, and financial proof.
- Paying a visa fee.
- Attending interviews in some cases.
Visa requirements vary by country, and travelers should check the latest regulations before making plans.
Regional Breakdown of Accessible Destinations
Asia
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries include Qatar, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Timor-Leste.
- Pakistani travelers can explore beaches, cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes without extensive visa procedures.
Africa
- Visa-free destinations: Rwanda, Gambia.
- Visa-on-arrival destinations: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Vanuatu.
- Africa offers safaris, wildlife adventures, and eco-tourism opportunities for Pakistani travelers.
Caribbean
- Visa-free destinations: Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, Montserrat, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.
- Ideal for leisure tourism, beaches, and tropical vacations.
Pacific Islands
- Visa-free: Cook Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Palau, Tuvalu, Samoa.
- Perfect for island-hopping adventures and water sports.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
- Limited global access: With a 103rd rank, Pakistani passport holders face restrictions for traveling to Europe, North America, and advanced Asian markets.
- Business travel difficulties: Limited visa-free access affects trade and professional mobility.
Opportunities
- Bilateral agreements: Strengthening diplomatic ties can increase visa-free access.
- Tourism promotion: Showcasing Pakistan’s rich cultural and natural heritage could encourage reciprocal visa arrangements.
- Security and governance improvements: Countries are more likely to ease visa restrictions if Pakistan maintains political stability and robust security measures.
Tips for Pakistani Travelers in 2025
- Check visa rules before travel – Even visa-free countries may have conditions.
- Keep travel documents ready – Passport, proof of accommodation, and return ticket.
- Plan for eTA or visa-on-arrival – Apply online for eTA and confirm visa-on-arrival requirements.
- Stay updated – Visa rules can change due to diplomatic agreements or global events.
- Travel insurance – Essential for all international trips to cover emergencies.
Frequently Asked Question– Visa-Free Travel for Pakistanis in 2025
- Which countries are visa-free for Pakistan in 2025?
In 2025, Pakistani passport holders can travel visa-free to 11 countries, primarily in the Caribbean, Africa, and the Pacific. These countries include:
- Barbados
- Cook Islands
- Dominica
- Gambia
- Haiti
- Micronesia
- Montserrat
- Rwanda
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vanuatu
Note: Even in visa-free countries, travelers must adhere to duration-of-stay limits and purpose-of-travel regulations.
- In which country can Pakistanis go without a visa?
Apart from the 11 visa-free countries, Pakistanis can also access 18 countries via visa-on-arrival and 2 countries through eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Some popular destinations include:
- Asia: Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Timor-Leste
- Africa: Kenya, Madagascar, Seychelles, Senegal
- Pacific Islands: Samoa, Palau, Tuvalu
- Gulf: Qatar
These options provide flexibility for tourism, business, or short-term visits without prior embassy approvals.
- Is Pakistan visa-free to 126 countries?
No. In 2025, Pakistan passport holders do not have visa-free access to 126 countries. Currently, they can travel visa-free to 11 countries, obtain visa-on-arrival in 18 countries, and eTA for 2 countries, totaling 31 destinations. Most other countries require either an e-Visa or regular visa for entry.
- Who has a red passport in Pakistan?
In Pakistan, a red passport is issued to diplomats, government officials, and special government representatives. It is distinct from the regular green Pakistani passport issued to citizens. The red passport often grants additional privileges, including easier visa processes and diplomatic immunity, depending on the country of travel.
Conclusion
In 2025, Pakistani travelers can enjoy visa-free travel to 11 countries, visa-on-arrival to 18 countries, and eTA access to 2 countries, totaling 31-33 accessible destinations worldwide. While the global ranking of the Pakistani passport has declined slightly, it still allows opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
By staying informed about visa requirements and regional travel opportunities, Pakistani citizens can explore diverse destinations, from tropical Caribbean islands to vibrant Asian countries and scenic African landscapes. With proper planning and awareness, international travel can be smooth, cost-effective, and enriching for all Pakistani travelers in 2025.