UAE Implements Visa Exemption for Pakistani Government Passport Holders

UAE Assures Support to Ease Visa Process for Pakistanis

By DTD- Last updated Jul 27, 2025

ISLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Sunday that Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially implemented a mutual visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries.

The initiative, which took effect on July 25, 2025, reflects the enduring and strategic partnership between the two nations, marked by strong diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s top trading partners in the Middle East and hosts a large Pakistani expatriate population.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dar shared that the decision followed discussions with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He hailed the development as a “positive step between our two brotherly countries.”

“I have been informed by UAE authorities that the visa waiver for diplomatic and official Pakistani passport holders entering the United Arab Emirates is now in effect as of July 25, 2025, at all UAE airports,” Dar stated.

He confirmed that the visa-free entry for UAE diplomatic and official passport holders has also been activated at all Pakistani airports. The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which became operational 30 days after signing.

Earlier this month, UAE Interior Minister Lt Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan assured his country’s full support in expediting visa procedures for Pakistani nationals. His assurance came during a meeting with Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who emphasized the need for easing travel for Pakistani citizens. “We want our citizens to be able to visit the UAE with ease. Easing visa policies will provide much-needed relief,” Naqvi said.

This mutual visa waiver is the result of ongoing diplomatic engagement and follows progress made during the 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) held in June, where both sides signed the MoU on visa exemptions.