Erdogan's Turkey Denies Pakistan Visa-Free Entry Despite Close Ties

Turkey has stood by Pakistan during diplomatic tensions with India, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has often praised President Erdogan’s support. Yet, despite this friendship, Turkey does not offer Pakistanis visa-free entry. Pakistanis must apply for an e-visa before visiting Turkey, allowing a stay of up to 30 days.

Visa rules for Pakistanis traveling to Turkey:

• Pakistani passport holders need a valid passport with at least six months remaining.

• They can apply for an e-visa online with an email ID and debit/credit card.

• The e-visa permits stays up to 30 days.

• Officials holding Pakistani government passports enjoy visa-free entry for 90 days.

• Residents of Turkey with valid permits can enter without e-visa.

Interestingly, even Azerbaijan, another Muslim country allied with Pakistan, requires Pakistanis to obtain a visa (e-visa available online). Azerbaijan faced an Indian boycott campaign after siding with Pakistan during India-Pakistan tensions.

Visa-free travel for Pakistani passport holders is limited to only nine countries worldwide, including Haiti and Madagascar. On the other hand, countries like India, Israel, Libya, and Sudan do not permit Pakistani entry at all.

Despite close diplomatic ties, the visa policies reveal the complexities in regional relationships and travel freedoms for Pakistani citizens.