Before You Celebrate: This Pakistan-Saudi Visa Deal Isn't for Regular Travelers

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed an agreement abolishing visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official, and special passports, signed by Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The agreement is formally titled the "Agreement between Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the abolition of visa requirements for holders of Diplomatic and Official/Special Passports."

Who This Actually Helps

This is not a visa waiver for ordinary Pakistani or Saudi citizens traveling on regular passports — it specifically facilitates official travel for eligible diplomatic, official, and special passport holders, making high-level engagement and institutional exchanges between the two governments easier.

Dar's Framing

Announcing the deal, Dar said it would advance the countries' "brotherly strategic partnership," describing Prince Faisal bin Farhan as his "brother" while signing.

The Bottom Line

If you're a government official, diplomat, or special passport holder, this agreement genuinely simplifies your travel between Islamabad and Riyadh. For everyone else holding a regular passport, this particular deal changes nothing about your own visa requirements.