Key Indicators:
Visa requirements, Number of air service agreements, Travelsat Hospitality Reputation Index, Passport mobility score
Note: This pillar measures how open a country is to visitors and facilitating cross-border travel.
One of the most significant administrative procedures affecting the flow of foreign tourists is visa policies.[102]
Overall, on the pillar Openness to Travel & Tourism Pakistan is ranked at 105 with a score of 2.95 in the T&T Development Index (2024).[103] Pakistan’s openness to travel and tourism according to the World Economic Forum shows mixed results. On the indicator Visa Requirements, the country is ranked at 47 with a score of 3.89.
To increase tourism Pakistan has relaxed its visa requirements. The nationals of 192 countries can now use the Online Visa (E-Visa) System. Additionally, under the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Tourist Category, visitors from 64 countries can apply for a Visa on Arrival.[104] The government has also introduced an online visa application system for citizens of 126 countries.[105] Business and tourist visas can be obtained through this system within 24 hours. Additionally, these visa applicants will be exempt from visa processing fees.[106]
These positive advances to visa policy indicate that obtaining a visa has become significantly easier.
In a significant visa policy shift, the government has waived visa fees for citizens of 126 countries.
Moreover, introducing the online visa application system and waiving processing fees will likely streamline the visa process, making it more accessible for travelers and investors.
However, the ranking for passport mobility remained at the last (119), with a score of 1.87. This suggests that Pakistani passport holders still have limited visa-free access to other countries. The Henley Passport Index ranks Pakistan’s passport at the fourth worst position, with visa-free access to only 33 countries.[107] [108]
The ranking for the indicator Number of air service agreements is 61, with a score of 3.08. There is no data available for the Travelsat Hospitality Reputation Index.
In summary, Pakistan saw some improvement in visa requirements but still faces challenges in passport mobility and air service agreements.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s prioritization of travel and tourism shows signs of progress in terms of government spending and brand strategy. However, significant challenges remain in data collection and dissemination, which need to be addressed for the tourism industry to thrive.