Big news is going around today. Many people are saying Pakistanis no longer need a visa for Saudi Arabia. Is this true? Sort of — but not for everyone.
On September 22, 2026, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a new Pakistan Saudi Arabia visa waiver agreement. The deal was signed on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
So who actually gets to skip the visa? Let’s find out.
What Actually Happened
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, signed the agreement. He signed it with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Dar shared the news himself on X. He called Prince Faisal his “brother.” He said the deal would help both governments work together faster.
Who Can Travel Without a Visa?
This is the most important part. The Pakistan Saudi Arabia visa waiver agreement only covers certain people:
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Official or special passport holders
In simple words, this means government officials and diplomats. It does not mean regular citizens.
Who Still Needs a Visa to Travel to Saudi Arabia?
If you have a normal Pakistani passport, nothing has changed for you. You still need a visa if you are traveling for:
- Tourism
- Business
- Jobs
- Hajj or Umrah
So if you were planning a trip to Saudi Arabia, you still need to apply for a visa the normal way.
Why This Deal Still Matters
Even though regular people are not covered, this agreement is still important. Here’s why.
- Faster government meetings
Officials no longer need to wait for visa approval. This means Pakistan and Saudi Arabia can hold meetings faster on trade, defense, and other topics.
- More investment opportunities
Pakistan wants Saudi Arabia to invest more money in energy, mining, and farming projects. Officials working on these deals can now travel quickly. Faster travel often means faster business deals.
- Stronger defense ties
The two foreign ministers also talked about the Makkah Defence Agreement. This is a defense pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, signed in August 2026. Under this pact, if one country is attacked, all three countries respond together.
Could This Change for Regular Pakistanis Too?
Here’s the part that gives hope. Experts believe this Pakistan Saudi Arabia visa waiver agreement could be just the first step. Government deals like this often come before bigger public agreements.
Look at how fast things are moving between the two countries:
- September 2025: A defense pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
- August 2026: A bigger defense pact that also includes Turkey
- September 2026: This new visa waiver agreement
Even Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone this month. They agreed to stay in close contact on important matters.
The Bottom Line
For now, this deal is only for diplomats and government officials. Normal Pakistani travelers still need a regular visa to visit Saudi Arabia. But with both countries signing so many deals lately, a bigger travel agreement for everyday citizens might be coming soon.
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