Pakistan’s passport has achieved a significant milestone in the global rankings, now holding the 100th position according to the latest Henley Passport Index. This improvement is a reflection of Pakistan’s increasing diplomatic efforts and international agreements that have enhanced travel freedom for its citizens.
Pakistani passport holders now enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 countries worldwide, marking a substantial rise from previous years. The Henley & Partners 2024 report shows the passport climbing from 113th position in 2021. This progress is a result of strengthened diplomatic ties and efforts to expand visa-free travel options.
One of the recent developments contributing to this rise is the agreement between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which allows diplomatic and official passport holders from both countries to travel visa-free. This move has significantly strengthened bilateral relations between Islamabad and Abu Dhabi, boosting the mobility of Pakistani diplomats.
Despite this positive shift, the Pakistani business community remains concerned about the limited international mobility, especially for trade and investment. During a recent meeting with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi acknowledged these concerns and emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the mobility of Pakistani nationals.
Minister Naqvi also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance Pakistan’s international profile and its passport’s ranking. The government plans to negotiate more visa agreements and work towards improving international perceptions of the country. The focus will include increasing visa-free travel options and enhancing diplomatic relations to ensure the safety and freedom of movement for Pakistani citizens.
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Minister Naqvi
Even more encouraging is that Pakistani citizens now have access to 32 countries either visa-free or via visa-on-arrival or e‑Visa, up from fewer destinations just a few years ago. That includes friendly nations like Barbados, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Rwanda, Senegal, and the Seychelles among others.
While missing visa-free access to major European, North American, or East Asian states still puts the passport near the bottom of the global mobility scale, this incremental improvement reflects active diplomatic engagement, like the recent UAE agreement exempting diplomatic and official passport holders from pre-entry visas.
That said, real-world access still depends heavily on travel policies, e‑Visa systems, and enforcement. These 32 countries are largely in Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of newer Asian marketplaces. And visas granted “on arrival” often come with photo, documentation, or proof-of-funds requirements—not always seamless for travelers.