Pakistan, Saudi Arabia Allow Visa Free Travel for Special Passport Holders

Pakistani and Saudi officials will no longer require visas to travel between the two nations under a new agreement signed by Islamabad and Riyadh, according to a September 22 announcement in New York. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, signed the pact during the 2026 United Nations General Assembly session.

Dar revealed the waiver during a post on the social media platform X, stating that it would facilitate higher-level government cooperation and enhance institutional interaction. The agreement extends to Pakistani citizens with diplomatic and official passports visiting Saudi Arabia, and to Saudi nationals holding similar passports traveling to Pakistan.

Dar emphasized that the measure would bolster the strategic partnership between the nations and promote collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The agreement follows Islamabad and Riyadh's efforts to expand their economic relationship, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing interest in developing Pakistan's economic ties with Saudi Arabia into a strategic partnership.

A Saudi business delegation has explored investment opportunities in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and IT, while Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey have deepened security cooperation through the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement and its new trilateral committee.