Pakistanis get visa-free entry to Oman under new deal
Pakistan and Oman Sign Visa Exemption Agreement
The Pakistan Oman visa agreement is aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries and making official travel easier for eligible passport holders.
The agreement applies to holders of diplomatic, special, official and service passports. However, ordinary Pakistani passport holders are not included in the arrangement.
This means the Oman visa-free entry facility does not apply to regular tourists or people travelling for personal visits. They should continue to follow the existing visa requirements before planning their trips.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi signed the agreement during the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission on Wednesday.
Ordinary Passport Holders Not Included
The Pakistan Oman visa agreement covers only specific categories of passports. Pakistani citizens travelling on ordinary passports cannot assume they will be allowed to enter Oman without a visa under the new deal.
The announcement has not specified when the exemption will take effect. It has also not provided details about the permitted length of stay for eligible travellers.
The Oman visa-free entry arrangement is therefore limited to the passport categories mentioned in the agreement. Travellers should wait for official guidance before making plans based on the new rules.
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Six Documents Exchanged During Visit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the exchange of six documents covering different areas of cooperation between Pakistan and Oman.
These included the protocol of the commission’s meeting and memoranda of understanding on records and archives, information and broadcasting, information technology and telecommunications, and news exchange and media cooperation.
The documents are intended to expand cooperation between institutions and strengthen links between the two countries.
Leaders Seek Stronger Bilateral Relations
During his meeting with the Omani foreign minister, Shehbaz Sharif described Oman as an important maritime neighbour and a valued partner of Pakistan.
He said the successful commission meeting would help expand cooperation and deepen bilateral relations.
The Omani foreign minister welcomed the outcome and praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions and promote peaceful solutions.
The Pakistan Oman visa agreement forms part of these broader efforts to improve cooperation. However, the Oman visa-free entry facility remains restricted to eligible official passport holders.
