ISLAMABAD: In a landmark move to bolster its tourism industry and respond to longstanding calls from the travel trade sector, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has announced a major overhaul in Pakistan’s visa policy. Effective from August 14, Pakistan will offer free tourist visas to citizens of 126 countries, marking a significant shift towards making the country more accessible and welcoming for international travelers.
This new policy will allow visitors from a range of nations to enjoy the beauty and rich cultural heritage of Pakistan without the financial burden of visa fees. Citizens from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE—will benefit from a 90-day visa-free entry, further facilitating travel and tourism from these key regions.
Aftab Ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), hailed this development as a pivotal step in promoting Pakistan’s tourism potential. “The simplified visa application process and the introduction of free visas for citizens of these 126 countries will serve as a gesture of goodwill from the Government of Pakistan. We anticipate that this will significantly enhance tourist traffic and showcase Pakistan’s unparalleled natural beauty and diverse cultural experiences,” Rana stated.
Pakistan, known for its breathtaking landscapes—from the towering peaks of the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges to its stunning coastline along the Arabian Sea—offers an array of experiences for travelers. The country’s rich history, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality make it an attractive destination for tourists seeking adventure, culture, and natural splendor. Rana also expressed hope that other nations will reciprocate this gesture, facilitating greater exchange and mutual benefits for the citizens of Pakistan and the world.
Making a major change in its visa policy and full filling the long standing demand of the travel trade industry particularly the consistent efforts of the MD PDTC, Prime minister, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif announced new visa policy with major cgange in it and making it very tourism friendly wherein he announced free Pakistani visa for 126 different nations.
Started from 14th August the citizens of 126 countries are eligible for tourist visa free of cost. The tourists from KSA, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and UAE are now eligible for 90 days visa free entry to Pakistan.
Aftab Ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director termed it a landmark step to promote tourism in Pakistan. He said, the simplified visa application process and without visa free entry for the citizens of 126 countries will be a goodwill gesture from the government of Pakistan for the citizens of these countries. He also hoped that the governments of other countries will also reciprocate appropriately for the citizens of Pakistan as well.
He said, the tourists from KSA, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and UAE are now eligible for 90-day visa free entry to Pakistan and this step will significantly improve the tourist traffic to Pakistan from Middle Eastern countries.
