Traveling internationally with a Pakistani passport can often feel limiting due to visa restrictions and long approval processes. But if you hold a valid — or even previously used — visa from the United States, United Kingdom, Schengen Zone, or Canada, a whole new world of opportunities opens up for you.
There are over 40 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Central America, the Caribbean, and even parts of Europe that offer visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa access to Pakistani passport holders — simply because of your visa history with one of these trusted countries.
Whether your visa is currently valid or has been used in the past (but remains in your passport), you might be eligible to skip long embassy queues, paperwork, and waiting periods. All you need is the right stamp on your passport — and in many cases, a simple online application or direct airport entry is all it takes.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
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Why your US/UK/Schengen/Canada visa gives you leverage as a Pakistani traveler
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The different types of entry (visa-free, visa on arrival, e-visa)
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A comprehensive list of countries that welcome you with open arms
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Pro tips and reminders to make your travels smooth and stress-free
If you’ve ever wondered what other doors your visa might open, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the full potential of your passport combined with these high-trust visas.
Why These Visas Matter
When it comes to global travel, not all visas are created equal. Holding a US, UK, Canada, or Schengen visa is more than just a ticket to those specific countries — it’s also a signal to other governments that you’ve passed a high level of security, financial, and travel history scrutiny. That trust often translates into easier access to many other countries around the world.
Here’s why these visas unlock so many borders for Pakistani passport holders:
1. Trusted by Immigration Authorities
Countries that may not have the resources to conduct in-depth visa evaluations often trust the judgment of nations like the US, UK, or those in the Schengen Area. If you’ve already been granted a visa by one of these, many governments assume you’ve passed rigorous checks — and are therefore a lower-risk traveler.
2. Used or Valid — Both Can Work
One of the biggest advantages for Pakistani travelers is that even an expired (used) visa can work in your favor in many cases — as long as it’s still visible in your passport and shows your travel history. Some countries specifically state that the visa doesn’t have to be valid at the time of entry, just previously issued and used appropriately.
Example: Georgia and Turkey both allow entry with used US or Schengen visas, provided other conditions are met.
3. Multiple Regions, One Gateway
These visas can open the door to multiple regions, including:
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Middle East (e.g., UAE, Oman, Qatar)
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Europe (e.g., Albania, Bosnia, Serbia)
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Asia (e.g., Malaysia, South Korea)
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Caribbean & Central America (e.g., Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama)
Instead of applying for a new visa every time, your existing US/UK/Canada/Schengen visa works like a travel booster — reducing both costs and paperwork.
4. Faster and Simpler Travel Planning
No long embassy appointments, no complicated documents — and in many cases, no interviews. You can apply online (e-visa), or simply show up at the airport for a visa on arrival. This is a huge convenience for travelers from Pakistan who are often burdened with excessive paperwork and uncertainty when applying for new visas.
5. Important Note on Visa Types
Not all visas qualify. In most cases:
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Tourist or Business visas (e.g., B1/B2 for the US) are accepted.
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Transit visas, student visas, or refugee/asylum-related visas may not be accepted for this benefit.
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The visa may also need to be multiple-entry or have a minimum validity, depending on the country.
Always double-check specific requirements before you travel.
Your US, UK, Canada, or Schengen visa could be your golden ticket to dozens of new countries — without the hassle. Next, we’ll look at the different types of visa access available and how they work.
Types of Visa Access
When traveling with a Pakistani passport and a valid or previously used US/UK/Schengen/Canada visa, different countries offer different types of entry facilitation. Understanding these visa types can help you plan smarter, save time, and reduce stress at immigration counters.
Here are the three main categories you’ll encounter:
1. Visa-Free Access
In this case, no visa application is required at all — you simply show up at immigration with your Pakistani passport and your valid (or sometimes used) visa from the US, UK, Canada, or the Schengen Area.
These countries waive the visa requirement completely for Pakistani citizens with qualifying third-country visas. Entry is granted for tourism, short stays, or transit, depending on the country.
Example:
Georgia allows visa-free entry to Pakistani passport holders with a valid or used US/UK/Schengen visa, for stays of up to 90 days.
2. Visa on Arrival (VoA)
This means you don’t need to apply in advance. Once you arrive at the destination airport or border, you can fill out a form, pay a fee, and get your visa stamped right there — all because you hold a qualifying US/UK/Canada/Schengen visa.
Many countries still have eligibility conditions, such as requiring that the visa be valid at the time of entry, multiple-entry, or used at least once before.
Example:
Maldives offers visa on arrival to Pakistanis with a valid Schengen or US visa, for stays up to 30 days.
3. e-Visa with US/UK/Canada/Schengen Visa
This is one of the most popular and convenient options. An e-visa is an online visa that you apply for through the official immigration portal of the destination country. Your existing visa from the US, UK, Canada, or Schengen makes the process simpler or even automatically approved in many cases.
The process usually takes 15–30 minutes and requires uploading your passport, visa, and a photo. Some countries offer guaranteed approval for Pakistani nationals holding these trusted visas.
Example:
Turkey grants e-visas to Pakistani citizens with valid US/UK/Schengen visas, often with same-day approval.
Quick Comparison Table:
Type | Visa Required in Advance? | Where to Get It? | Requires Valid US/UK/Schengen/Canada Visa? |
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Visa-Free | ❌ No | At immigration on arrival | ✅ Yes |
Visa on Arrival | ❌ No | At airport/border entry point | ✅ Yes |
e-Visa | ✅ Yes (online) | Country’s official e-visa site | ✅ Yes |
Countries You Can Visit with a Pakistani Passport and US/UK/Schengen/Canada Visas
You’ve got the passport. You’ve got the visa stamp. Now let’s look at where it can take you.
Below is a curated and regularly updated list of countries that welcome Pakistani passport holders with a valid or previously used US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visa — without needing to apply for a traditional visa in advance.
To make it easier, we’ve categorized them by region and included the type of access you get, which visas are accepted, and key notes to help plan your trip.
Asian Countries You Can Visit with US/UK/Schengen/Canada Visas on a Pakistani Passport
Country | Visa Type | Accepted Visas | Notes |
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Turkey | e-Visa | Valid US/UK/Schengen | Apply online; must hold return ticket & hotel proof |
Georgia | Visa-Free | Valid/Used US/UK/Schengen | Stay up to 90 days within 180-day period |
Azerbaijan | e-Visa | Valid US/UK/Schengen | Apply via ASAN portal |
Malaysia | Visa-Free (pilot) | Valid US/Schengen | Often requires visa to be valid at entry |
South Korea | e-Visa | Valid US/Canada/Schengen | Tourist visa must be valid at time of application |
Middle East Countries You Can Visit with US/UK/Schengen/Canada Visas on a Pakistani Passport
Country | Visa Type | Accepted Visas | Notes |
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UAE | e-Visa | Valid US/UK/Schengen | Airline or hotel sponsorship required |
Oman | e-Visa | Valid US/UK/Schengen | Visa must be valid for at least 6 months |
Qatar | e-Visa | Valid US/UK/Schengen/Canada | Apply via VisitQatar portal |
Bahrain | e-Visa | Valid US/UK/Schengen | Often approved within 72 hours |
Central America & Caribbean Countries You Can Visit with US/UK/Schengen/Canada Visas on a Pakistani Passport
Country | Visa Type | Accepted Visas | Notes |
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Mexico | Visa-Free | Valid US/Schengen | No separate visa needed if entering by air/land |
Costa Rica | Visa-Free | Valid US/Canada/Schengen | Visa must be valid for at least 3 months |
Panama | Visa-Free | Valid US/UK/Canada/Schengen | Visa must be valid for at least 6 months |
Dominican Republic | Visa-Free | Valid US/UK/Canada/Schengen | Visa must be valid and previously used |
Europe (Non-Schengen) Countries You Can Visit with US/UK/Schengen/Canada Visas on a Pakistani Passport
Country | Visa Type | Accepted Visas | Notes |
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Albania | Visa-Free | Valid US/UK/Schengen | Stays up to 90 days |
Bosnia & Herzegovina | Visa-Free | Valid US/UK/Schengen | Allowed if visa has been used at least once |
Serbia | Visa-Free | Valid US/UK/Schengen | Entry up to 30 days |
Montenegro | Visa-Free | Valid US/UK/Schengen | Same rules as Serbia |
North Macedonia | Visa-Free | Valid US/UK/Schengen | Visa must be valid at time of entry |
South America Countries You Can Visit with US/UK/Schengen/Canada Visas on a Pakistani Passport
Country | Visa Type | Accepted Visas | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Colombia | Visa-Free | Valid US/Schengen | Must show proof of return and accommodation |
Ecuador | Visa-Free | Valid US/Schengen | Entry up to 90 days per year |
Important Notes:
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“Valid” typically means the visa is not expired and has been used at least once.
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Some countries allow entry on used visas, even if expired – Georgia and Turkey are key examples.
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Always carry a copy of your visa, even if it’s stamped on an old passport.
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Rules change frequently — check the country’s official immigration website or embassy before you travel.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
While the ability to travel visa-free, on arrival, or via e-visa using your valid or used US/UK/Canada/Schengen visa is a huge advantage for Pakistani passport holders, there are still some important rules, exceptions, and best practices to keep in mind.
Here’s what you need to know to ensure your travels go smoothly:
1. Validity Still Matters (Even if Used)
Some countries allow entry on a used visa, but many require it to be valid and unexpired at the time of entry. Check the specific rule for each destination before you book your ticket.
✅ Example: Georgia accepts used visas
❌ Example: Qatar requires your visa to be valid and have at least 30–90 days remaining.
2. Minimum Visa Validity
Some countries require your US/UK/Schengen/Canada visa to be valid for a certain number of months before they’ll accept it for visa-free or e-visa entry.
Example: Oman and Panama often require 6 months of validity remaining on your third-country visa.
3. Used at Least Once
A few countries require your visa to have been used at least once (i.e., you must have traveled to the US, UK, Canada, or Schengen Area already).
Example: Bosnia & Herzegovina only allows entry if your US/Schengen visa has been used previously.
4. Entry Point Rules
Some countries only allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival if you arrive by air, not by land or sea. Also, certain airports may not support VoA or e-visas, so choose your arrival point carefully.
Tip: Always double-check which airports support visa-on-arrival or e-visa entry.
5. Carry All Documents
Even when traveling visa-free or on arrival, immigration officers can still ask for proof of your:
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Hotel bookings
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Return/onward ticket
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Proof of funds
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Travel insurance
Your US/UK/Schengen visa won’t replace these basic requirements — it only gets you through the visa part faster.
6. Printed Visa Copies are Useful
If your qualifying visa is in an old passport, carry both the old and new passport. Immigration officers need to see the actual visa — screenshots or scans are not always accepted.
7. Official Websites Only
Always apply for e-visas through the official government portal. Many scammy or overpriced “visa agencies” exist online. Avoid them.
Tip: Look for URLs ending in “.gov” or check embassy pages for links to official sites.
8. Final Decision Lies at the Border
Having a valid third-country visa doesn’t guarantee entry. Border agents have the final say. If your documents or behavior raise red flags, you can be refused entry.
✅ Stay calm, confident, and polite
✅ Always have your travel plan ready to explain
In the final section of this blog, we’ll share how to use this privilege to plan smarter trips, including travel hacks, budget tips, and top destinations to consider.
6: How to Maximize This Travel Opportunity
Now that you know where you can go, it’s time to turn that knowledge into unforgettable travel experiences — without the stress of traditional visa applications.
Here’s how you can make the most of your valid or previously used US/UK/Schengen/Canada visa:
1. Plan Multi-Country Trips Around Your Strong Visa
Use your existing visa to unlock clusters of nearby countries. For example:
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Visiting Turkey? Add Georgia and Azerbaijan (visa-free and e-visa).
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Going to Mexico? Combine with Costa Rica, Panama, and even the Dominican Republic.
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Got a Schengen visa? Explore Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia easily after your main trip.
Tip: You can explore up to 5+ countries in one trip if you plan your route and visa requirements smartly.
2. Use as a Backup While Waiting for Other Visas
Waiting on a UK or Canada visa decision? Don’t pause your travel plans — you can still travel to many countries using your existing US or Schengen visa.
This keeps your travel goals active while avoiding unnecessary visa delays.
3. Save Money on Visa Fees
Traditional visas can cost anywhere from $30 to $150+ and take weeks to process. When you use a third-country visa for entry:
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You skip embassy visits
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Save visa fee costs
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Avoid the risk of rejection
Example: Turkey’s e-visa costs ~$60 and is processed instantly when using a valid Schengen visa.
4. Travel Like a Frequent Flyer (Even if You’re Not)
Border agents often trust travelers with a history of Western country visas, so use that reputation to your advantage. You’re more likely to be:
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Waived through quicker
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Asked fewer questions
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Seen as a low-risk visitor
This can help you not just enter countries more easily, but also secure better airport services, hotel upgrades, or fewer customs checks.
5. Keep a Valid Visa for Future Trips
Even if you don’t plan to visit the US/UK/Canada/Schengen soon, renew those visas when they expire. They act as a passport booster, opening doors to dozens of other countries without needing new paperwork.
Tip: Even a 5-year B1/B2 US visa that you use once every 2–3 years is worth keeping just for global access.
6. Explore Underrated Destinations
Countries like Albania, Colombia, Panama, and Azerbaijan are affordable, visa-friendly, and full of stunning experiences — often with fewer tourists and more local flavor.
Don’t just stick to London and New York — explore the world smartly with the travel freedom your visa already gives you.
Holding a Pakistani passport can feel limiting at times, but with the right strategy — and the power of a valid or used visa from the US, UK, Schengen Area, or Canada — you can unlock 40+ destinations without the usual visa stress.
With some planning and smart decision-making, your passport and visas can open far more doors than you ever imagined.
Website Last Updated: October 29th, 2024