Henley & Partners‘ Passport Index has published a list portraying the world’s travel access hierarchy.
Top on the list of countries that encourage travelling are France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore, and Spain, whose citizens can visit an astounding 194 destinations without requiring arduous visa procedures. This group of countries offer passport-to-plane experience, setting the bar high for unmatched worldwide mobility.
With access to 193 locations, Finland, South Korea, and Sweden share second place. Many visa-free or visa-on-arrival options are available to their well-travelled inhabitants, providing access to a variety of cultures and environments.
Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands take third place with access to 192 destinations. These nations serve as entry points to a wide range of travel opportunities.
The long list goes on, honouring countries that place a high priority on global connection. Among the notable entries are the United States, Canada, Greece, Switzerland, and New Zealand, all of which provide their inhabitants with an abundance of travel options.
On the other hand, the Passport Index identifies states with more limited travel options. Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan are among the least accessible, offering their passport holders entry to just 34 countries that require no visa or one upon arrival.
The London-based company, which offers residency and citizenship consultancy services, teamed together with the International Air Transport Association to create a unique ranking that takes into account passport holders’ access to countries without a visa or with one upon arrival.
Thor Pedersen has become the first ever man to have visited all the countries in the world without flying in an aeroplane. It took him a decade to do so but the major reason for the delay has been the pandemic which halted his journey in Hong Kong for nearly two years.
It all started when he found out that nobody has ever done this before and if he does it, he will be the first person to do it. In his initial estimate, it would take him approximately four years to travel the globe but Covid-19 turned things a bit topsy-turvy. Thor started the journey in 2013 and completed it in May 2023. The most peculiar part about it was that he never boarded a plane even once. He had the support of his family. His father said to him that even if you hear that one of us has died, do not come back on an aeroplane.
Thor says he required an average of USD 20 daily but it varied from country to country. In a country like Bolivia, $20 was way more than needed but in Singapore it was less than required.
He even did a job to support himself during his stay in Hong Kong. Considering the period of ten years and twenty dollars each day, the total amount needed would be between $70 thousand to $75 thousand.
A company called Ross Energy also sponsored him with 600 dollars a month during the journey. He travelled a distance of 382,000 kilometres and used almost twenty types of vehicles in a span of 3,512 days. The transport he used included buses, taxis, motor-bikes, trucks, trains, trams, rickshaws, container ships, boats, ferries, cruise-ships, carts, police-vans and a yacht.
Would he recommend it to people?
The answer is a big no. Pedersen believes that the journey was extremely difficult and has taken a big chunk of his life along with money. People should invest their energy in things which are more productive and thrilling.
Summers are already here and the recent devaluation of the national currency has made it nearly impossible for travelers to pursue journeys.
If you have a Pakistani passport, it’s not an easy task to get a visa of the country you love. But we have some suggestions to make your summer vacation memorable and budget-friendly.
Currently, there are a total of four countries that allow Pakistan visa on arrival. These countries are as follows:
Maldives
The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of Sri Lanka and India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral reefs. The Maldives is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including swimming, sunbathing, diving, snorkeling, fishing, and sailing.
most famous tourist spot in maldives
Things to do in Maldives
Swimming and sunbathing:The Maldives has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Diving and snorkeling:The Maldives is home to stunning coral reefs, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers.
Fishing:The Maldives is a great place to go fishing, with a variety of fish species to catch.
Sailing:The Maldives is a great place to go sailing, with calm waters and beautiful scenery.
Spa treatments:The Maldives is a great place to relax and pamper yourself, with many resorts offering a variety of spa treatments.
You do not need to apply for a visa before you travel to the Maldives on holiday. All tourists, of all nationalities, can receive a 30 day visa free of charge on arrival in the Maldives.
SamoaSamoa tourist visa is not required for citizens of Pakistan for a stay of up to 60 days. Samoa is a beautiful island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is made up of two main islands, Upolu and Savai’i, and several smaller islands. Samoa is known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning waterfalls.
samoan traditional dance
As a tourist, there are many things to see and do in Samoa. Here are some of the top activities and attractions:
Beaches: Samoa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Lalomanu Beach to Aganoa Beach, there are plenty of stunning spots to soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Waterfalls: Samoa is also known for its incredible waterfalls. Some of the most popular include Togitogiga Falls and Fuipisia Falls.
Cultural Activities: Samoa is a rich and vibrant culture. Visitors can experience traditional dance performances, attend a Fiafia Night, or visit a village to learn more about Samoan customs and traditions.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu has made visa-free access or visa-on-arrival access for almost every country globally, including Pakistan. These visas are valid for 30 days and will cost travellers approximately 100 AUD. Enjoy the Beaches: Tuvalu is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world. Visitors can soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the stunning views.
Snorkeling and Diving: Tuvalu’s coral reefs are home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore the reefs and see colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks.
Visit Funafuti Atoll: This is the capital of Tuvalu and offers visitors a chance to see the local way of life. Visitors can explore the town and visit the local shops, enjoy the markets, and learn about the history and culture of Tuvalu.
Attend a Cultural Event: Tuvalu has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience traditional dance performances, attend a Falekaupule Meeting, or participate in a local celebration or festival.
It is important to note that visa policies for each country can change quickly and without notice, so it is recommended that travelers check with their local embassy before departing. Additionally, visa on arrival may not be available for all types of travel such as business or education purposes, so travelers should also verify the purpose of their travel is eligible for visa on arrival.
In conclusion, while the list of countries offering Pakistan visa on arrival is relatively small, it does provide some relief for those who may have difficulty obtaining a traditional visa. As always, travelers should research their destination before embarking on any trip to ensure all necessary documents are secured to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Actress and VJ Anoushey Ashraf has shared a list of ten things she wishes all Pakistani women should remember in order to live a more fulfilled and enjoyable life.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote that everyday she remembers to pray and thank God for all the things in her life, good or bad. Ranging from learning to be comfortable in your own skin, to standing for a cause you believe in, here are some valuable tips that Ashraf sent out to her followers.
“We’ve heard this again and again but I can’t emphasize enough on being financially independent. Not only does it give you freedom of movement, it gives you self confidence in a world that isn’t to kind to our gender in general.”
2 Stand up for yourself
“We’ve been sold the whole ‘be patient, let it go’ narrative for way too long but if someone has said or done something to hurt you or your reputation stand up for yourself. You don’t need to take emotional abuse from anyone.”
3 Travel solo (or with friends)
“You do not necessarily need a partner to travel around with. Get your girlfriends and travel to exotic places. Meet new people, have unique experiences and grow. Travel is the best education.”
4 Learn how to drive
“Just a skill I think everyone needs to know. In case of emergency or just not being dependent on someone else driving you around all the time. Driving also gives you a sense of control (in an odd sense) it’s cool.”
5 Confess your love to someone
“So, you have been liking someone but waiting for him to make the first move. Wake up, girl, it’s 2023! You can ask a guy too. And it’s absolutely okay! Good luck.”
6 Indulge in a hobby
“This keeps me creative and motivated. Making time for reading, art, music, puzzles, spending time with my pets or just playing sports are essential to recharge my batteries and keep me sane in an otherwise chaotic life.”
7 Be comfortable in your own skin
“So, what if you’re skinny or thin? What if you (think) you’re short or too tall? Accepting your authentic self is the biggest step towards knowing and honoring yourself.”
8 Be 100% okay with being single.
“Single is no longer a lack of options- but a choice. A choice to refuse to let your life be defined by your relationship status but to live every day Happily and let your Ever After work itself out. And it will. – Mary Hale (said it best).”
9 Give time to a cause you believe in
“Politics? Religion? The environment? Education? Animal rights? Whatever it is that gets you worked up, don’t just sit around and complain. Get involved! Start taking positive, forward-thinking action and see what you can do to help the situation. Raise money, do research, volunteer your time, spread the word – it’ll give you an incredible sense of purpose, and plus, people need your help.”
10. Work out atleast three times a day
“Not only will staying active and adapting your physical activity improve mental and physical health but it will also cut down on your risk of developing life-threatening illnesses or having a fall that results in injury. It’s no secret that our bodies start to decline naturally as we age. That’s life, unfortunately – but it needn’t be a cue to stop moving. Staying active is beneficial to us all, whatever our age!”
The Pakistani consulate in Dubai has advised Islamabad that Pakistanis visiting Dubai should have a valid work visa, AED 5,000 and a return ticket with them when travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The development came after 80 Pakistanis were deported from the UAE for having fake return tickets and other reasons.
The consular staff of Pakistan was informed that over 80 Pakistanis had been turned away by the UAE immigration authorities for various reasons. Forty Pakistanis were flown back to Pakistan on the same flight that brought them to Dubai, and the remaining half were sent back on alternate planes that were available.
The consulate urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inform Pakistani passengers seeking work in the UAE to obtain a valid work visa.
Veteran actor Nadia Jamil recently opened up on battling sexual abuse in childhood. The ‘Damsa’ actor took to her Twitter handle to share picture collages of herself from different years of life. “1st time I was sexually abused I was 4 yrs old, then 9, then 17/18,” she wrote along with the snaps on the micro-blogging site.
1st time I ws sexually abused I ws 4 yrs old,then 9,then 17/18. Its taken me years 2 fight deep depression,sadness,fear & a shame I had no business feeling,2b where I am now.Healed.Not just surviving but thriving.There is a way from the pain 2 peace. You are never alone Love Nado pic.twitter.com/bo33Yd2brj
“Its taken me years 2 fight deep depression, sadness, fear & a shame I had,” she revealed further. “No business feeling,2b where I am now. Healed.”
The Damsa star took to her Instagram handle and wrote, “Off to beautiful @hunza_valley.pk. Stopped en route for a karak chai and met up with the amazing @venturer.pk team. My next adventure will have to be on a motorbike.”
Additionally, the actor announced that she is just not ‘surviving’ anymore, but is ‘thriving’ in life, before concluding the tweet with “There is a way from the pain 2 peace. You are never alone.” In the end, Jamil extended her love to fans and followers.
It is pertinent to mention that Nadia Jamil was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 as announced by the actor on her social media handles. She had developed stage one breast cancer with a grade three tumour.
In 2021, Nadia Jamil confirmed that she is ‘officially cancer-free after a year-long battle with the illness. With a smiling picture of herself, she shared the happy news with her followers in a lengthy caption. “Officially cancer-free. All tests are cancer clear. Shukar Alhamdolillah,” she penned, before acknowledging all the love, prayers, and support.
The Mere Aas Paas star also assured her fans that she will be regularly updating them about her trip. “Will keep sharing the many amazing people, foods and places I’m about to visit!” she said.
Earlier in June, Nadia announced that she’s officially cancer-free, taking to Instagram to announce the happy news. “Officially cancer-free, all tests are cancer clear. Shukar Alhamdolillah,” she said, before thanking her fans and followers for their love, prayers, and support.
