UAE Resumes Visit Visas for Pakistani Citizens – Eases Months of Uncertainty
Updated: Aug 3
ISLAMABAD, August 2, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates has resumed issuing visit visas to Pakistani citizens applying through registered travel agents, according to travel industry representatives and a UAE embassy official, easing months of uncertainty that had disrupted travel to one of Pakistan’s most important overseas destinations.
The development comes after months of complaints from applicants over prolonged delays and increased scrutiny, even as both Islamabad and Abu Dhabi repeatedly maintained there was no official visa ban on Pakistani nationals.
Published: August 2, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
What Has Changed?
The UAE has started issuing visit visas again to holders of ordinary passports who apply via registered travel agencies. According to travel executives, the most significant change affects families, as applications that once experienced long delays are now being processed more efficiently.
Aspect | Details |
Status | Visit visas resumed |
Eligible Applicants | Ordinary Pakistani passport holders |
Application Channel | Registered travel agents only |
Biggest Improvement | Family applications processing faster |
Previous Issues | Prolonged delays, stricter checks, high rejection rates |
Families See the Biggest Improvement
"The UAE embassy in Pakistan has begun granting visas to Pakistani tourists who are traveling with their families, marking a positive step forward."— Muhammad Nadeem Sharif, CEO of Aroma Travels and former chairman of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP)
Sharif said applicants traveling with families or joining relatives already living in the UAE were now receiving timely responses. Tourism promotion campaigns had resumed and passenger traffic, which had fallen during recent regional tensions, was gradually recovering.
Muhammad Hanif Rinch, an office bearer of TAAP, confirmed that family visa applications had begun seeing greater success after years of high rejection rates for individual applicants. Family travelers currently account for about 10 percent of Pakistani visitors to the UAE.
Travel Data Shows Recovery
Metric | Previous | Current |
Daily Passengers (Pakistan → Dubai) | ~170 (early summer) | ~400 (end of July) |
Historical Peak | ~1,000 daily passengers (two years ago) |
A senior Pakistani immigration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Arab News that the number of daily passengers traveling from Pakistan to Dubai had risen from around 170 a day earlier this summer to about 400 by the final week of July. However, the figure remains well below the roughly 1,000 daily passengers recorded two years ago.
Who Can Apply & Requirements
Eligibility
Hold a Pakistani passport valid for at least 6 months
Have a genuine purpose of travel (tourism, family visit, or business)
Show sufficient financial resources
No prior UAE immigration violations or overstays
Apply through a registered travel agent or eligible sponsor
Required Documents
Document | Details |
Valid Passport | Minimum 6 months validity |
Passport-size Photograph | Recent |
CNIC Copy | Computerized National Identity Card |
Completed Visa Application | Through travel agent |
Return Flight Booking | If required |
Hotel Reservation or Invitation Letter | From UAE host |
Bank Statement | Last 3–6 months |
Tips to Improve Approval Chances
Apply through an authorized travel agent
Submit complete and genuine documents
Maintain a healthy bank balance
Family applications generally have better approval prospects
Include previous international travel history if available
Why Was Visa Processing Restricted?
Pakistani authorities later reported to Parliament that more rigorous screening measures were implemented after cases were identified involving:
Forged academic degrees, diplomas and employment contracts
Visa overstays
Criminal activity
Unauthorized political activities
Misuse of social media
These concerns prompted UAE authorities to implement tougher background verification and document checks. UAE consistently rejected claims of any blanket visa ban, insisting that every application continued to be assessed individually based on merit.
Official Confirmation
A UAE embassy official in Pakistan confirmed that visit visas are being issued to ordinary passport holders applying through registered travel agencies.
"I don't have the complete information, but visas are open through travel agents for ordinary passports."— UAE Embassy Official (requesting anonymity)
The official mentioned that although there were some localized delays in processing earlier due to safety and security concerns, applicants with complete documentation can now apply without any issues.
Quick Reference
Aspect | Details |
Current Status | Visit visas resumed |
Effective From | August 1, 2026 |
Application Channel | Registered travel agents only |
Passport Type | Ordinary Pakistani passports |
Best Prospects | Family applications |
UAE Pakistani Population | ~1.8 million |
Related Reading: Latest UAE & Travel Updates
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Read full article: Kuwait Visit Visa to Residency Conversion Fee KD150 2026
Oman Launches Free 14-Day Tourist Visa Under New Entry Rules
Oman has introduced a free 14-day tourist visa under Royal Oman Police Decision No. 109/2026, effective August 2, 2026. The visa is available to nationals of designated countries and can be converted into other tourist visa types before expiry.
Read full article: Oman Free 14-Day Tourist Visa 2026Imposes
UAE 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa – Complete Guide
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Read full article: UAE 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa 2026
Quick Reference: Gulf Visa Updates (August 2026)
Update | Status | Effective |
UAE Visit Visas for Pakistanis | Resumed | August 1, 2026 |
Kuwait KD150 Visit Visa Conversion Fee | Active | August 2, 2026 |
Oman Free 14-Day Tourist Visa | Active | August 2, 2026 |
For the latest UAE visa updates, Gulf immigration policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/category/uae
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Man, this news about the UAE finally lifting the cloud of delays and opening up visit visas again through registered agents is such a huge relief for everyone who has been stuck in limbo for months! It honestly feels like ages since traveling there was straightforward, and I know so many families who put off reunions or vacations because of the strict checks and unpredictable rejections. Now that things are smoothing out, people can actually start making plans without pulling their hair out over paperwork. Honestly, it kind of reminds me of how stressful it was trying to sort out bookings and approvals for a dream New Zealand tour, where you’re constantly second-guessing every single document you submit. Hopefully, this resumption…