In 2025, significant changes are underway regarding visa policies between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. These updates are designed to foster stronger diplomatic ties, promote tourism, and facilitate easier business and labor movement between Pakistan and its Gulf neighbors.
While some Gulf countries are offering relaxed or free visa options to Pakistanis, others are exploring mutual visa waiver agreements. Here’s a deep dive into the latest developments, eligibility, and what this means for Pakistanis traveling to or living in Gulf countries.
🌍 Understanding the GCC and Pakistan’s Connection
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) includes six member states:
- Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
- United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
- Qatar 🇶🇦
- Kuwait 🇰🇼
- Bahrain 🇧đź‡
- Oman 🇴🇲
These nations host millions of Pakistani workers and are among Pakistan’s closest allies in trade, remittances, and foreign relations. As such, visa facilitation between Pakistan and these countries is a major diplomatic focus in 2025.
âś… 1. UAE Free Visa Opportunities for Pakistanis (2025)
Key Developments:
- In early 2025, the UAE introduced a new policy allowing easier tourist visa applications for Pakistani nationals.
- Special jobseeker visas and multiple-entry tourist visas are being offered at lower costs to attract Pakistani talent and tourists.
- Pakistani nationals with valid UK, US, or Schengen visas may be eligible for visa on arrival.
UAE Blue Visa (10-Year Residency)
While not free, Pakistanis working in environmental, sustainability, and climate-focused sectors are encouraged to apply for the UAE’s Blue Visa, which offers:
- 10-year residency
- Open work and travel rights within the UAE
- No employer sponsorship required
âś… 2. Saudi Arabia’s 96-Hour Free Transit Visa for Pakistanis
In 2025, Saudi Arabia introduced a 96-hour free transit visa, currently offered to Indian nationals and under consideration for expansion to Pakistan and other South Asian countries. This visa would allow:
- Short stays of up to 4 days (96 hours)
- Visits for tourism or Umrah during layovers
- No visa fees for eligible travelers flying with Saudia or Flynas
Although currently not available to Pakistanis, talks are underway to extend this benefit to Pakistani citizens as part of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism strategy.
âś… 3. Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain: Easing Restrictions for Pakistanis
Qatar:
- Pakistanis with hotel bookings and return tickets can apply for an e-visa or visa on arrival.
- The Qatari government is considering free visa waivers for frequent travelers and business visitors from Pakistan.
Oman:
- Oman already provides e-visas for Pakistanis, and in 2025, they have begun waiving visa fees for specific categories like:
- Skilled professionals
- Investors
- Students under exchange programs
Bahrain:
- Pakistanis can apply for online visas.
- In 2025, Bahrain introduced a 14-day visa-free trial period for travelers with confirmed hotel stays or business meetings.
âś… 4. Kuwait and Pakistan Visa Dialogue
Kuwait has had more restrictive visa policies for Pakistanis in the past. However:
- In late 2024 and into 2025, bilateral talks between Pakistan and Kuwait have resulted in pilot visa waiver discussions for:
- Government officials
- Diplomats
- Select business travelers
This is a step toward broader visa facilitation, with hopes of extending the program to general Pakistani citizens in the near future.
🛂 Pakistan’s Reciprocal Free Visa Policy for GCC Nationals
In response to visa facilitation by Gulf countries, Pakistan introduced a visa-free entry policy for all GCC nationals starting September 2024, which continues in 2025.
Key Details:
- Citizens of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain can now enter Pakistan without a visa
- Allowed stay: Up to 90 days
- Purpose: Tourism, business, or family visits
- Required documents: Valid passport, return ticket, proof of accommodation (if asked)
This bold move is aimed at:
- Strengthening diplomatic and economic ties
- Boosting Gulf tourism to Pakistan
- Encouraging investment and bilateral trade
đź’ˇ Benefits of Free or Facilitated Visa Policies
- Enhanced People-to-People Contact:
Family visits, cultural exchange, and tourism flourish with easier travel. - Business & Investment Growth:
Pakistani entrepreneurs and professionals gain faster access to Gulf markets. - Increased Employment Opportunities:
With streamlined jobseeker visas, more Pakistanis can explore jobs in Gulf countries. - Remittance & Economic Boost:
Easier mobility supports Pakistan’s labor force abroad and increases foreign remittances.
⚠️ Important Tips for Pakistani Travelers
- Always check the latest guidelines from the embassy or official visa website of the Gulf country you’re visiting.
- Even with visa-free or relaxed policies, travelers must meet entry requirements (e.g., return tickets, accommodation proof).
- Respect visa duration and avoid overstays to prevent bans or penalties.
đź“ť Conclusion
2025 is proving to be a landmark year for Pakistan-Gulf travel relations. With free or relaxed visa policies either already in place or under discussion, Pakistani citizens now have more travel opportunities than ever in the Gulf region. These developments are not just about convenience—they represent a deeper regional partnership, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange between Pakistan and its Gulf allies.
As these policies evolve, travelers are encouraged to stay informed, plan ahead, and make the most of these newfound freedoms.