The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has resumed issuing visit visas to Pakistani citizens applying through registered travel agents, providing much-needed relief to thousands of travelers after months of uncertainty and delays in visa processing.
The development marks a positive step in restoring normal travel between Pakistan and the UAE, a country that hosts one of the largest Pakistani expatriate communities and serves as a major destination for tourism, family visits, and business travel. Travel industry representatives and a UAE embassy official have confirmed that ordinary passport holders can once again obtain visit visas through authorized travel agencies, easing concerns that had persisted over stricter scrutiny of applications.
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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 on Saturday, easing months of uncertainty that had disrupted travel to one…— Waseem Abbasi (@Wabbasi007) August 1, 2026
For several months, Pakistani applicants had reported prolonged waiting periods and higher rejection rates, sparking speculation about an unofficial visa restriction. However, authorities in both Islamabad and Abu Dhabi repeatedly maintained that no formal visa ban had been imposed on Pakistani nationals.
Families Among the Biggest Beneficiaries
According to travel industry representatives, the resumption of visa issuance has particularly benefited families seeking to travel together or visit relatives residing in the UAE.
Muhammad Nadeem Sharif, Chief Executive of Aroma Travels and former chairman of the Travel Agents Association of Pakistan (TAAP), described the move as a welcome development for Pakistani travelers.
“The UAE embassy in Pakistan has started issuing visas to Pakistani tourists traveling with families, which is a positive development,” Sharif said.
He noted that family applications, which had previously faced weeks of delays, are now being processed more efficiently. Travelers visiting close relatives living in the UAE are also receiving faster responses, significantly reducing uncertainty for applicants.
Sharif added that the improved processing times are expected to encourage more families to travel during the coming months, particularly during school holidays and festive seasons when demand for visit visas traditionally increases.
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Travel Industry Sees Signs of Recovery
The easing of visa processing is also expected to provide a boost to Pakistan’s travel and tourism industry, which experienced a slowdown during the recent period of uncertainty.
Sharif said tourism promotion campaigns that had been suspended due to reduced demand have resumed, reflecting renewed confidence among travelers. Passenger traffic between Pakistan and the UAE, which had declined amid regional tensions and visa concerns, is also gradually returning to normal levels.
Travel agencies believe the resumption of visa services will increase bookings for holiday packages, family visits, and short-term tourism, helping businesses recover from months of reduced activity.
Industry representatives have advised applicants to submit their visa requests only through registered travel agencies to ensure compliance with the latest procedures and documentation requirements.
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UAE Embassy Confirms Visa Processing
A UAE embassy official in Pakistan also confirmed that visit visas are once again being issued to Pakistani citizens holding ordinary passports, provided applications are submitted through registered travel agencies.
“I don’t have the complete information, but visas are open through travel agents for ordinary passports,” the official said while requesting anonymity.
The official acknowledged that visa processing had experienced temporary delays in recent months due to safety and security considerations. However, applicants who provide complete documentation can now expect their applications to be processed without major difficulties.
The embassy official emphasized the importance of fulfilling all documentation requirements, suggesting that properly completed applications are less likely to encounter delays.
Months of Uncertainty
The latest development comes after months of complaints from Pakistani travelers regarding lengthy processing times and stricter screening procedures for UAE visit visas.
Many applicants reported waiting several weeks for decisions, while others faced repeated requests for additional documentation. The delays affected tourists, families, and individuals planning to visit relatives or attend business meetings in the UAE.
Despite widespread speculation about an unofficial restriction on Pakistani applicants, both Pakistani and Emirati authorities consistently denied the existence of any formal visa ban. Officials maintained that visa issuance had continued, although additional security checks and administrative procedures had increased processing times.
The restoration of smoother visa processing is therefore being viewed as a significant confidence-building measure for travelers and the tourism industry alike.
Importance of UAE for Pakistan
The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s most significant international partners, both economically and socially. Nearly 1.8 million Pakistanis live and work in the Gulf nation, making it one of the largest overseas destinations for Pakistani expatriates.
The country is also among Pakistan’s leading sources of workers’ remittances, with billions of dollars sent home annually by Pakistani professionals and laborers employed across various sectors.
In addition to employment opportunities, the UAE serves as a major destination for tourism, business travel, family reunions, and religious transit, resulting in substantial passenger movement throughout the year.
The resumption of visit visas is expected to strengthen these people-to-people connections while supporting tourism and commercial activities between the two countries.
Outlook
Travel agents believe the normalization of visa processing will gradually restore confidence among Pakistani travelers and contribute to increased passenger traffic in the coming months.
Applicants are being encouraged to submit complete documentation through registered travel agencies to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure compliance with current visa requirements.
With visa issuance resuming and travel demand showing signs of recovery, industry stakeholders remain optimistic that Pakistan-UAE travel will continue to return to pre-disruption levels, benefiting travelers, businesses, and the wider economy.
