Oman Agrees to Visa-Free Entry for Holders of Pakistani Diplomatic and Official Passports
ISLAMABAD: The new Oman visa exemption pact covers holders of diplomatic, special, official and service passports, in a move aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi signed the agreement on Wednesday during the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission in Islamabad.
Oman visa exemption for Pakistani passports: key details
The Oman visa exemption does not cover ordinary Pakistani passports, so it is not a general visa waiver for tourists or other travellers. It applies on a reciprocal basis to officials travelling between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the exchange of six documents covering cooperation between the two countries. Alongside the visa agreement, these included the commission’s meeting protocol and memoranda of understanding on records and archives, information and broadcasting, information technology and telecommunications, and news exchange and media cooperation.
The announcements did not specify when the visa exemption would take effect or provide details on permitted lengths of stay.
What the agreement means for Pakistan-Oman ties
Oman is one of Pakistan’s closest maritime neighbours, and the two countries share deep trade, energy and labour links. During his meeting with the Omani foreign minister, Shehbaz described Oman as an important maritime neighbour and valued partner. He said the commission’s successful session would help expand cooperation and deepen bilateral engagement.
Related: Omani FM Meets PM Shehbaz, Commends Pakistan’s Diplomatic Efforts for Regional Peace
The Omani foreign minister welcomed the outcome and praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions and promote peaceful solutions.
The two sides also agreed to hold the ninth session of the Joint Ministerial Commission in Muscat next year, keeping the institutional dialogue between the foreign ministries on a regular track. For Pakistan, the deal marks another step in its outreach to Gulf neighbours at a time of high regional tension.
For ordinary travellers, nothing changes yet. Pakistanis planning tourism or work travel to Oman still need to secure the relevant visa through normal channels, and any announcement on wider visa access will come through official Foreign Office statements.
FAQs
Does the Oman visa exemption apply to ordinary Pakistani tourists?
No. The agreement covers only diplomatic, special, official and service passport holders. Ordinary passport holders still need a visa for Oman.
When does the visa exemption take effect?
The announcements did not specify an implementation date or the permitted length of stay under the exemption.
Who signed the agreement?
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi signed it during the eighth Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission session in Islamabad.
What other deals were signed at the session?
Six documents in all, covering the JMC protocol, records and archives, information and broadcasting, IT and telecommunications, and news exchange and media cooperation.
