Pakistani passport reaches top 100, offers visa-free access to 32 countries

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani passport has made significant strides in global rankings, securing a spot among the world’s top 100 passports in the latest Henley Passport Index 2025. This marks a notable improvement in the document’s international standing, with citizens now enjoying visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 32 countries worldwide.

The Director General of Passports congratulated the nation on this achievement, attributing the progress to sustained efforts in enhancing the passport’s credibility and security features. “We’ve introduced advanced security features in Pakistani passports to meet international standards,” the DG stated, highlighting ongoing modernisation efforts.

Govt earns Rs80 billion from 13 million passports issued over two years

Key developments:

• E-passport facilities to be expanded with e-gates at all major airports soon
• Streamlined processing with modernised services for applicants
• Improved global mobility with visa-free access including Qatar, Maldives and Sri Lanka

The ranking jump from 113th in 2021 to 100th in 2025 reflects Pakistan’s gradual improvement in global travel freedom. While still trailing regional peers, the upward trend signals growing international acceptance of Pakistani travel documents.

These are some of the countries that would allow Pakistanis to enter without a pre-issued visa: Barbados, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Comoros, Djibouti, Dominica, Kenya, Maldives, Nepal, Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago and Vanuatu.

Major change on cards for Pakistani passports

Authorities confirmed plans to further upgrade passport services, including complete digitisation of application processes and enhanced verification systems to combat fraud. The development comes as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its global connectivity and facilitate easier international travel for its citizens.