Pakistan Passport Rises to 100th in 2026: Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Destinations Explained
The Pakistan passport ranking in 2026 has improved, giving Pakistani travellers greater international mobility and more options for simplified overseas travel.
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, the Pakistani passport has moved to 100th position globally, compared with 103rd place in 2025. Pakistani passport holders can currently access 30 destinations without obtaining a conventional visa before departure.
These destinations include countries offering:
- Visa-free entry
- Visa on arrival
- Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA
- Other simplified entry arrangements
For Pakistani nationals living in the UAE, the improved ranking can create more convenient options for short holidays, family trips and international travel from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other UAE airports.
Pakistan Passport Ranking in 2026
The Pakistani passport is ranked 100th on the Henley Passport Index 2026, with a mobility score of 30 destinations.
The latest position represents an improvement from the previous year:
- 2024: 101st
- 2025: 103rd
- 2026: 100th
Pakistan has generally remained below the 100th position since 2015, making the latest improvement a positive development for Pakistani travellers.
However, passport rankings are updated regularly. Entry policies can also change independently of the index, so travellers must verify the requirements of their destination before booking a flight.
What Does Access to 30 Destinations Mean?
The figure of 30 destinations does not necessarily mean that Pakistani travellers can enter every country without completing any formalities.
The destinations fall into different entry categories.
Visa-free entry
Visa-free travel generally allows a visitor to enter without applying for a visa in advance. The traveller may still need to satisfy immigration officers by providing:
- A valid passport
- A return or onward ticket
- Hotel or accommodation details
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance
- Proof of the purpose of travel
Visa on arrival
A visa-on-arrival destination allows eligible travellers to obtain their entry permission after reaching the airport or border checkpoint.
Travellers may need to:
- Complete an arrival form
- Pay a visa fee
- Provide a photograph
- Show accommodation and return-ticket details
- Demonstrate sufficient funds
- Meet passport-validity requirements
A visa on arrival is not the same as unconditional entry. Approval remains subject to immigration inspection at the destination.
Electronic Travel Authorisation
Certain destinations require Pakistani travellers to obtain an online travel authorisation before departure.
An ETA is usually simpler than a conventional embassy visa, but it must still be approved before the traveller boards the flight.
Destinations Available to Pakistani Passport Holders
According to the reported 2026 travel-access list, Pakistani passport holders may have access to destinations including the following.
Visa-free destinations
- Barbados
- Cook Islands
- Dominica
- Haiti
- Micronesia
- Montserrat
- Rwanda
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- The Gambia
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vanuatu
Visa-on-arrival destinations
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cape Verde
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Guinea-Bissau
- Madagascar
- Maldives
- Nepal
- Niue
- Palau
- Samoa
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
Electronic authorisation destinations
- Kenya
- Seychelles
- Sri Lanka
The exact category, permitted stay and entry conditions can change. Travellers should check the latest official immigration or embassy information for the selected country before making non-refundable bookings.
Best Travel Options for Pakistani UAE Residents
Pakistani passport holders residing in the UAE may have additional travel advantages in certain countries because they possess a valid UAE residence visa.
Some destinations provide separate facilities for eligible GCC or UAE residents, such as:
- Online visa applications
- Simplified supporting-document requirements
- Conditional visa on arrival
- Faster electronic visa processing
- Entry based on an eligible profession or residence status
These benefits depend on several factors, including:
- Passport nationality
- UAE residence visa validity
- Emirates ID validity
- Profession shown on the residence record
- Passport validity
- Purpose and duration of travel
- Previous travel history
A UAE residence visa does not automatically provide visa-free entry. Travellers must confirm whether the destination recognises GCC residency and whether Pakistani passport holders are included.
Popular Destinations to Consider
Maldives
The Maldives is a popular holiday destination for UAE residents because of its relatively short flight connections, island resorts and visa-on-arrival arrangement for eligible visitors.
Travellers should carry confirmed accommodation, an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds for the trip.
Kenya
Kenya uses an electronic travel authorisation system. Eligible travellers must obtain approval online before departure.
Applicants should prepare their passport, accommodation details, travel itinerary and supporting documents before beginning the application.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a convenient option for UAE residents looking for beaches, cultural attractions, wildlife and family holidays.
Pakistani travellers may need an approved electronic travel authorisation or other entry approval before flying.
Seychelles
Seychelles may require visitors to obtain an electronic travel authorisation and provide evidence of accommodation, onward travel and adequate funds.
Nepal
Nepal offers visa-on-arrival facilities to many eligible travellers. The traveller must still meet the applicable entry and documentation conditions at the airport.
E-Visa Options Beyond the 30-Destination Score
The article also identifies a wider group of countries where Pakistani passport holders may be able to apply for an e-visa.
These reportedly include destinations such as:
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Georgia
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Oman
- Qatar
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Thailand
- Türkiye
- UAE
- United Kingdom
- Vietnam
An e-visa destination is different from a visa-free destination. The traveller must submit an application and obtain approval before travelling.
Supporting documents may include:
- Passport copy
- UAE residence visa
- Emirates ID
- Bank statement
- Employment letter or NOC
- Hotel reservation
- Flight itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Passport-size photograph
Approval criteria and processing times vary by country.
Travel Checklist for Pakistani Passport Holders in the UAE
Before travelling, Pakistani UAE residents should check the following:
- Ensure the passport has sufficient validity, commonly at least six months.
- Confirm that the UAE residence visa and Emirates ID remain valid.
- Check whether the destination is visa-free, visa on arrival, ETA or e-visa.
- Verify the maximum permitted stay.
- Confirm whether a return ticket is mandatory.
- Arrange confirmed accommodation.
- Carry proof of sufficient funds.
- Purchase suitable travel insurance.
- Review vaccination or health-entry requirements.
- Avoid making non-refundable bookings before receiving required approvals.
Airlines may deny boarding when a passenger cannot demonstrate that they meet the destination’s entry requirements.
UAE–Pakistan Pre-Immigration Clearance Initiative
The UAE and Pakistan have also discussed a pre-immigration clearance system for Pakistani nationals travelling to the UAE.
Under the reported initiative, immigration and related checks would be completed in Pakistan before the passenger travels. Karachi was identified as the initial pilot location.
Once fully implemented, such a system could help streamline arrival procedures for eligible passengers. Travellers should wait for official implementation instructions before relying on this facility.
What the Improved Ranking Means for Travellers
Pakistan’s rise to 100th position is a positive sign for international mobility. However, the passport still provides limited access compared with many higher-ranked travel documents.
Pakistani travellers can make the most of the available options by:
- Selecting destinations with simpler visa procedures
- Maintaining a strong travel history
- Submitting accurate financial and employment documents
- Using valid UAE residency documents where relevant
- Applying well before the proposed travel date
- Checking official entry rules before booking
Professional visa guidance can be particularly useful when the traveller’s eligibility depends on UAE residency, profession, financial evidence or previous travel history.
Get International Visa Assistance from Eshaare Tours
Eshaare Tours assists Pakistani nationals and other UAE residents with international visa and travel-documentation services.
Our assistance may include:
- Destination eligibility checks
- Tourist visa application guidance
- E-visa application support
- Document checklist preparation
- Employment letter and NOC guidance
- Flight and hotel reservation assistance
- Travel insurance support
- Detailed itinerary preparation
- Application status follow-up
Contact Eshaare Tours before booking your journey to understand the latest entry requirements applicable to your passport and UAE residence status.
Disclaimer: Passport rankings, visa-free arrangements, visa-on-arrival policies, e-visa requirements and permitted stay periods can change without prior notice. Entry is always subject to the destination country’s immigration authority. Travellers should verify current official requirements before booking or travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pakistan passport ranking in 2026?
The Pakistani passport is currently ranked 100th on the Henley Passport Index.
How many countries can Pakistani passport holders visit without a prior conventional visa?
Pakistani passport holders currently have access to approximately 30 destinations through visa-free entry, visa on arrival or an electronic travel authorisation arrangement.
Are all 30 destinations completely visa-free?
No. The total includes different entry categories. Some destinations are visa-free, while others require a visa on arrival or an electronic authorisation.
Can Pakistani UAE residents travel to more countries because of their UAE residence visa?
Some countries offer simplified visas, e-visas or conditional entry facilities to eligible GCC residents. Eligibility depends on the traveller’s nationality, profession, UAE residence validity and the destination’s current rules.
Does visa on arrival guarantee entry?
No. Final admission is decided by immigration officers at the destination. Travellers must still meet all passport, ticket, accommodation and financial requirements.
Should travellers book flights before applying for an e-visa?
Travellers should avoid purchasing non-refundable tickets unless the destination specifically requires a confirmed booking or the relevant travel approval has already been issued.