Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Pakistani Passport Holders
A Pakistani passport provides access to 29 destinations where individuals do not need to obtain a visa before entering. The passport provides visa-on-arrival, visa-free, and ETA access to these destinations. Pakistan passport ranks below many countries and offers visa-on-arrival access to 15 destinations in 2026.
However, individuals seeking more global access or travel mobility can secure second citizenship programs of Caribbean countries such as Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia citizenship by investment programs. These programs provide access to more than 140 destinations and provide you with multiple dual citizenship opportunities.
What is a Visa on Arrival?
A visa-on-arrival allows an individual or traveller to receive a visa after reaching the airport, border of the country, or entry port.
Visa-Free Entry vs Visa on Arrival
Visa-Free Access | Visa-On-Arrival Access |
|---|---|
Visa-free travel access does not require a visa before or after reaching the destination. However travellers still need to pass some immigration checks. | Visa-on-arrival access means you get your visa at the airport upon arrival and it does require you to pay a fee or to provide documents. |
What Does ETA or e-Visa Mean?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) usually requires short approval online before the departure. An e-Visa is also applied by the individual online but it generally involves a formal visa application and approval.
Entry Type | Before Travel |
Visa-free | No visa application required |
Visa-on-arrival | Visa normally issued upon arrival |
ETA | Electronic travel authorization required |
e-Visa | Online visa approval required |
Pakistan Passport Ranking in 2026
Current Position As Per Passport Index
According to the Saad Ahsan Residency and Citizenship passport index, Pakistani passports rank 102nd globally in 2026. The passport provides access to 29 destinations without needing a prior visa. Among these destinations, 11 countries are visa-free, 15 are visa-on-arrival, and three are Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) countries.
However, Pakistani passport holders require a visa for traveling to Europe’s Schengen Area, United States, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates. Hence, in terms of global mobility, the passport remains heavily restricted.
Why Should Business Owners Explore Second Passport Programs
For individuals who want greater global mobility and access to more than 140 countries should explore Caribbean second passport programs. These programs are ideal for business owners or entrepreneurs who often need to travel to other countries for attending business meetings and international conferences.
Repeated visa applications delay their work or business operations while visa-free access to key destinations provide them a chance to run business operations smoothly. There are several Caribbean countries offering structured citizenship by investment programs such as:
Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program (144 destinations access)
Grenada Citizenship by Investment Program (148 destinations access)
St. Lucia Citizenship by Investment Program (143 destinations access)
St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Program (157 destinations access)
Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program (154 destinations access)
Why Different Sources Show Different Numbers for Passport Ranking
Different passport ranking indexes use different methodologies or point systems to measure a passport’s power. As there is no global standard adopted for passport rankings so each company creates its own formulas.
For instance, Henley’s passport index measures a passport’s power by a different method than Saad Ahsan Residency and Citizenship’s passport index. They calculate mobility scores based on different factors such as visa-free access, visa-on-arrival access, ETA, or an e-Visa sometimes.
Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Pakistani Passport Holders in 2026
As per the latest 2026 list for visa-on-arrival destinations, Pakistani passport holders benefit from access to 15 VOA destinations. Following are the destinations listed for visa-on-arrival access on a Pakistani passport.
Region | Visa-On-Arrival Destinations |
Asia | Cambodia, Maldives, Nepal, Timor-Leste |
Africa | Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Senegal, Sierra Leone |
Pacific | Niue, Palau, Samoa, Tuvalu |
Top Visa-on-Arrival Destinations for Pakistani Tourists
Maldives
Maldives grants a tourist visa on arrival without needing approval for prior visa. Travellers should have required documents with them including a return ticket. Proof of accommodation, and enough source of funds.
Nepal
Nepal offers a tourist visa on arrival to Pakistani passport holders at approved entry points. Pakistani citizens also benefit from Nepal's South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) arrangement.
Being nationals of a SAARC member state, Pakistani citizens benefit from travel privileges and travel ease when visiting Nepal.
Cambodia
Cambodia is among the VOA countries list for Pakistani passport holders. There is also an official tourist e-Visa system in Cambodia with a US$30 tourist e-Visa that allows you to stay for a month. However, entry rules must be checked by individuals before traveling.
Documents Required for Visa on Arrival
Immigration rules and requirements vary from country to country but some common documents required for a visa on arrival usually include:
A valid passport
Passport-sized photographs
A return or onward ticket
Proof of enough source of funds
Proof of accommodation
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Visa on Arrival
Before You Fly
Before traveling individuals must show the validity of their passport and confirm that it is eligible for a VOA at the destination and entry point. They should check accommodation requirements, fees, and airline boarding rules.
The IATA Travel Centre is also very useful because its database is used in the global airline industry and is compiled from the official sources.
At the Destination Airport
The individuals complete the arrival or visa forms, provide the authorities with required documents, pay fees and move forward with the immigration procedure. The immigration officer then makes the final entry decision.
Common Reasons Travellers Are Refused Entry
There can be multiple reasons if travellers are not granted entry in a country. Visa on arrival does not grant you automatic entry. Problems can occur if documentation is missing, funds are inadequate, return ticket is invalid, or passport is not valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many countries can Pakistanis visit without a traditional visa in 2026?
As per 2026 passport index, Pakistanis can visit 29 destinations through visa-free, VOA, and ETA access.
Is Maldives visa-free for Pakistanis?
No, Maldives is not visa-free for Pakistanis rather they receive a tourist visa on arrival subject to Maldives Immigration rules and requirements.
Can Pakistanis get a visa on arrival in Thailand, Malaysia or the UAE?
You should never assume a visa on arrival access to any destination. Travellers should always check the updated e-Visa or advance visa requirements for an ordinary Pakistani passport before traveling.
Conclusion
Visa-on-arrival destinations can make international travel easier for Pakistani citizens especially while traveling to countries such as Maldives, Nepal, and Cambodia. As these are the top VOA countries for Pakistani passport holders.
However, travellers must have knowledge of current immigration rules and know that VOA does not grant a guaranteed entry. They must carry required documents and meet the latest requirements before purchasing tickets for flights.
Saad Ahsan
Hamaad Kaleem
