Visa-free destinations for Pakistani nationals in 2025

Pakistani passport has fallen several places in latest Henley Passport Index, now ranking 103rd globally

The Pakistani passport has slipped in global rankings, but citizens can still travel visa-free to more than 30 destinations across the world, according to the Henley Passport Index released earlier this week.

The latest ranking places Pakistan 103rd, tied with Yemen, with visa-free access to 31 countries. This marks a slight decline from its previous 96th position, when Pakistani nationals could travel to 32 destinations without a visa.

Despite the fall, the passport still grants entry to several Caribbean, African and Asian destinations, as well as one in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

Read More: Pakistani passport slips further in global rankings

Pakistani passport holders can visit Qatar, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Timor-Leste in Asia; Burundi, Comoro Islands, Cape Verde Islands, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Vanuatu in Africa.

Other destinations open to Pakistani travellers include Cook Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Tuvalu and Samoa in Pacific Islands, while Barbados, Dominica, Haiti, Montserrat, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.

The Henley Passport Index, which ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa, is considered a benchmark for global travel freedom.

Impact on Pakistan

Weakened Passport Power: A lower passport ranking may reflect a diplomatic gap between Pakistan and other countries. Nations with higher rankings typically have stronger international ties, which could help with trade deals, investments, and foreign policy.

Global Perception: A passport ranked 103rd might affect Pakistan’s perceived global standing, making it more challenging for citizens to secure business visas or travel to important countries for trade or conferences.

Business Travel Challenges: As business expansions often rely on mobility, a restricted visa-free access to key markets might complicate negotiations, dealings, and international trade.

Impact on National Image

A low ranking can affect how Pakistan is viewed by global communities, particularly in relation to trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. Countries with stronger passports are often perceived as having a more stable governance structure and economic strength, which can influence Pakistan's ability to attract foreign investments.

How can more countries grant visa-free access to Pakistanis?

Engagement: Pakistan could focus on enhancing bilateral relationships with more countries by increasing trade agreements, participating in global forums, and engaging in visa relaxation talks. Diplomatic missions can also work toward reciprocal visa agreements, where Pakistan and partner nations mutually ease visa restrictions.

Security and Trust: Ensuring that the country’s internal stability, counterterrorism efforts, and border security are improved could lead to increased trust and mobility. Countries are more willing to ease visa restrictions for nations that show consistent progress in security and governance.

Tourism: By promoting Pakistan’s tourism sector and showcasing its rich cultural heritage, Pakistan could build better cultural diplomacy. This could lead to visa-free access being granted by tourist-heavy countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and even European nations interested in enhancing cultural exchanges.