Fact Check: China Did Not Remove Pakistan from Visa-Free Entry List—Because It Was Never On It
Recent claims circulating on social media suggesting that China has removed Pakistan from its visa-free countries list are misleading and factually incorrect. In reality, Pakistan was never included in China’s visa-free entry policy in the first place.
Viral Claims Spark Confusion
On July 14, a user on platform X (formerly Twitter)—appearing to be a supporter of a political party—shared a graphic that read:
“China just announced visa-free entry for 74 countries, but Pakistan didn’t make the list.”
The post quickly gained over 19,000 views, and similar claims were widely shared by other users from Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan, collectively generating hundreds of thousands of views.
The Truth Behind China’s Visa-Free Expansion
The claims stem from a July 9 report by the Associated Press (AP), shared by various outlets, stating that China expanded visa-free travel to 74 countries for 30-day visits. The list includes countries from Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Asia—but not Pakistan.
Importantly, Pakistan has never been a part of this list, so the assertion that it has been “removed” is factually baseless.
Official Sources Confirm Visa Requirements for Pakistanis
A review of the China Visa Application Center in Islamabad confirms that Pakistani citizens still require a visa to enter China. The site provides detailed procedures and documentation guidelines for all visa categories, with its latest update dated June 24, weeks before the AP report.
This further proves that no recent change has occurred regarding Pakistan’s visa status with China.
Misleading Narratives Fuel Misinformation
While the viral posts claim Pakistan has been “removed” from a list, they omit the key context—Pakistan has always required a visa to enter China. This selective presentation of information can mislead the public and stir unnecessary speculation about diplomatic relations.
Strong and Stable Bilateral Relations Continue
Despite not being on the visa-free list, Pakistan and China continue to enjoy a strong strategic partnership, deeply rooted in economic, infrastructural, and cultural cooperation. Projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are testaments to the enduring ties between the two countries.
Conclusion
Claims that China has removed Pakistan from a visa-free list are false. Pakistan was never on the list to begin with. The misleading headlines and social media posts risk distorting public perception and should be interpreted with caution.
Always verify with official sources or reputable news outlets before accepting viral content as fact.
