How a Pakistani man flew to India without a valid visa

Can a Pakistani citizen land in India without a visa? It may sound impossible, given the strict travel rules between the two countries, but Waqas Hassan, a Pakistani entrepreneur, did just that—without breaking any laws.

During his time in Mumbai, Hassan enjoyed the famous vada pao at the airport and even picked up some souvenirs. Calling the experience “pretty fun,” he shared his journey online, sparking a wave a curiosity.

His story has now gone viral, leaving many wondering: How did he manage to travel to India without a visa? Here’s what we know.

Hassan’s Mumbai sojourn

Waqas Hassan, founder of the AI company AiForAll, embarked on a journey from Singapore to Saudi Arabia, opting for an IndiGo flight that included a six-hour layover in Mumbai.

“This time I’m flying from Singapore to Saudi Arabia. And currently, I’m in Mumbai,” Hassan said in his Instagram video as he walked through the airport.

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Hassan went on to explain that Pakistani travellers can legally transit through India without a visa, as long as they stay inside the airport. However, since self-check-in is not an option for them, they must book a single-ticket itinerary.

During his short stay, he made the most of his time—relaxing in an airport lounge, picking up souvenirs, and indulging in Mumbai’s famous street food. He enjoyed a plate of vada pav paired with cutting chai, calling the experience “pretty fun.”

“I travelled all the way to Mumbai on a Pakistani passport just to have vada pav,” read the caption on his post.

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‘Slight risk’

Hassan admitted that even though this was a legal travel option, he was initially hesitant to book the ticket.

“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,” said the Singapore-based Pakistani entrepreneur.

Even the officials at Mumbai airport were surprised to see his passport.

“When I gave them my passport at the airport, they also looked at me in surprise. They said not many Pakistani people do this, so it was a new experience for them as well,” he shared.

While Pakistani passport holders can visit India with a visa, getting one is often difficult due to political tensions and security concerns. As a result, leisure tourism between the two countries remains rare.

So why did Hassan choose a flight with an Indian layover? According to him, Indian airlines offer some of the best deals on flights between the East and the West—just like his Singapore-to-Saudi Arabia route.

‘Welcome to Mumbai bhai’

Hassan’s video has gone viral, amassing over 900,000 views and sparking conversations on both sides.

One user commented, “Glad you got to touch Indian soil. So close yet so far due to politics. Hope you enjoyed the vada pav.”

Another was fascinated by the transit loophole, saying, “Omg, I didn’t know this before!!! Will defo transit through India.”

Others, however, had a different take. “What’s the happiness in staying at an airport of a country that would never allow you to step out?” questioned another user.

Instagram page Aamchi Mumbai gave Hassan a warm digital welcome, commenting, “Welcome to Mumbai, Bhai!” Meanwhile, many others expressed a shared wish—one where borders weren’t barriers, and travel between India and Pakistan was as easy as catching a flight.

“Pakistani awaam should be allowed to visit India and vice versa. I love you guys, and no one is good or bad—we’re all shades of grey. I respect your culture and country and will request our government to make access easier for citizens of both nations,” one person wrote.

With input from agencies