In a significant diplomatic milestone, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have officially implemented a visa-free entry agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Sunday that the visa waiver arrangement took effect on July 25, 2025, allowing eligible Pakistani passport holders to enter the UAE without a visa through all UAE airports. In return, Pakistan has activated reciprocal arrangements for UAE nationals at all Pakistani airports.
The agreement stems from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in Abu Dhabi on June 24, 2025. Dar met his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where they formalized the mutual waiver.
Dar announced the activation via a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressing appreciation for the UAE’s swift implementation and highlighting the deepening ties between the two nations.
In addition to the visa agreement, the two countries signed MoUs on:
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Mutual exemption of visa requirements
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Establishment of a Joint Task Force to Promote Investments
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Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy
A comprehensive protocol was also signed, setting a procedural framework for follow-ups, intergovernmental coordination, and facilitation of reciprocal visits.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes and agreed to convene the 13th session of the JMC in Pakistan on mutually convenient dates, marking a strong revival of bilateral engagement after a 12-year gap.
