Oman & Saudi Visa Exemption Deals: Why They Don’t Cover Ordinary Pakistani Passports (2026)
Headlines in late 2026 said Pakistan had signed “visa exemption” agreements with both Saudi Arabia and Oman. If you are planning a visit, here is the part that matters: neither deal covers ordinary Pakistani passport holders. Both are limited to official-type passports, so tourists, families and business visitors still need a visa.
What was actually signed
Saudi Arabia: The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly session in New York, and reported on 22 September 2026. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan signed it. Reports describe it as covering holders of diplomatic and special passports.
Oman: The agreement was signed in Islamabad on 14 October 2026, at the Prime Minister’s Office, in the presence of PM Shehbaz Sharif. Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi signed for Oman. It covers diplomatic, special, service and official passports.
Why ordinary passports are not included
Visa exemption agreements for diplomatic and official passports are common between governments, because they cover officials travelling on state business. They are separate from tourist visa policy. The reports we reviewed list only the official-type categories above and say nothing that extends the waiver to ordinary passports.
What ordinary Pakistani travellers should do
- Check the official visa portal of your destination before booking anything
- Keep a passport valid for at least six months
- Carry hotel bookings, return ticket and proof of funds
- Arrange travel insurance where required
- Avoid agents promising “visa-free” entry
- Confirm start dates on official sources
Neither of the sources we checked gave an implementation date for the exemptions, so even officials should confirm with the foreign ministry before relying on them.
Gulf options that do exist for tourists
For comparison, Qatar has announced a 30-day tourist visa on arrival for eligible Pakistanis, with conditions that include a hotel booking through Discover Qatar and at least one month of health insurance. See our separate Qatar guides for the details, as the rules there have changed more than once. Oman and Saudi Arabia, by contrast, still require ordinary Pakistani passport holders to follow their normal visa processes.
Quick answers
Can I now visit Oman or Saudi Arabia without a visa? Not on an ordinary passport. The agreements cover official-type passports only.
Who benefits? Holders of diplomatic, special, service or official passports, depending on the agreement.
Will this change later? It may, but only an official announcement from the governments concerned counts. Do not rely on rumours.
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