Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and special passports, easing short-term official travel and strengthening coordination between the two countries.
The agreement was signed in New York on September 22, 2026, on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). It was signed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
Saudi Arabia-Pakistan Visa Exemption Agreement
Under the new Saudi Arabia-Pakistan visa exemption agreement, eligible holders of diplomatic and special passports from both countries will be exempt from short-term visa requirements.
The agreement is aimed at facilitating travel procedures, strengthening joint coordination and expanding cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Who Is Eligible for the Visa Exemption?
The Saudi Pakistan visa exemption applies specifically to holders of diplomatic and special passports. It does not introduce visa-free travel for ordinary Saudi or Pakistani passport holders.
Therefore, Saudi citizens holding regular passports and Pakistani citizens holding ordinary passports must continue to follow the applicable visa requirements for travel between the two countries.
Key Objectives of the Saudi-Pakistan Agreement
The mutual visa exemption agreement is intended to make official travel and high-level engagement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan easier.
- Facilitate short-term travel for eligible diplomatic and special passport holders.
- Improve coordination between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
- Support high-level diplomatic and institutional exchanges.
- Expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Pakistan's Associated Press reported that the agreement is expected to facilitate high-level engagement and institutional exchanges between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan Discuss Regional Developments
Before signing the agreement, Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Mohammad Ishaq Dar reviewed bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
The two foreign ministers also discussed the latest regional developments and efforts to contain tensions through diplomatic solutions. The meeting highlighted the continued coordination between the two countries on issues of mutual interest.
Prince Faisal Meets Bill Gates in New York
Separately, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met Bill Gates, Chairman of the Gates Foundation, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed areas of joint cooperation and discussed opportunities for partnerships in innovation and advanced technologies, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Officials Attend the Meetings
The meetings were attended by several Saudi officials, including:
- Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to the United States.
- Prince Dr. Abdullah bin Khalid bin Saud, Director General of the General Administration for Policy Planning.
- Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, Advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs.
What the Saudi-Pakistan Visa Agreement Means
The new Saudi Arabia Pakistan visa agreement is focused on facilitating official travel for diplomatic and special passport holders. The agreement does not provide general visa-free access for ordinary passport holders.
The move adds to ongoing diplomatic and institutional cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and is intended to support easier high-level engagement between the two countries.
