Can a Pakistani citizen land in India without a valid visa? It may sound impossible given the strict travel regulations between India and Pakistan, but Waqas Hassan, a Pakistani entrepreneur, did just that—without breaking any laws.
During his layover in Mumbai, Hassan enjoyed the famous vada pao at the airport and even bought souvenirs. Calling the experience “pretty fun,” he shared his journey online, sparking a wave of curiosity. His story has since gone viral, leaving many wondering: How did he manage to travel to India without a visa?
Legal entry?
Waqas Hassan said that he travelled to India on an IndiGo flight without requiring an Indian visa. While Pakistani passport holders typically need a visa to visit India, the process is often strict, making casual travel between the two nations rare. However, Hassan’s visit was completely legal.
Hassan was travelling from Singapore to Saudi Arabia and had a six-hour layover at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. He used this time to explore the terminal, try local food, and shop. “Iss samay meri flight jaa rahi hai Singapore se Saudi Arabia aur main Mumbai mei aaya hoon aur poora che ghante ka stay hai. Toh iss stay mei main poora Mumbai airport explore kar raha hoon. Lounge dekha hai, vada pav khaaya hai, and it’s a pretty fun feeling,” he shared in his video while strolling through the terminal.
In an Instagram video, Hassan explained that Pakistani travellers can transit through India on connecting flights without requiring a visa, provided they remain within the airport. This means they cannot exit the terminal but can use the lounges, food courts, and duty-free shops. Since self-check-in isn’t allowed for Pakistani travellers, they must book a single-ticket itinerary to ensure smooth transit.
Hassan also explained why he chose an Indian airline for his journey. Indian carriers often provide better deals for flights from east to west, making them a budget-friendly choice. However, he admitted he wasn’t sure how things would turn out, as he had never heard of other Pakistanis transiting through India before. “I have been travelling for 15 years. Nobody told me that we [Pakistanis] can transit through India. So when I booked this ticket, there was a slight bit of risk involved as well,” he said.
Even the immigration officers at Mumbai airport were taken aback when they saw his passport. “They looked at me in surprise. They said not many Pakistani people do this, so it was a new experience for them as well,” Hassan shared in his video.
Social media reacts
Hassan’s video has since gone viral, amassing over 800,000 views. Many Instagram users from both India and Pakistan commented on his experience. One user wrote, “Glad you got to touch Indian soil. So close yet so far due to politics. Hope you enjoyed the vada pao.” Another person was intrigued by the transit rule, commenting, “Omg I didn’t know this before!!! Will defo transit through India.”