Here's how this Pakistani reached Mumbai on his green passport

Pakistani traveller Waqas Hassan, who has been globetrotting for 15 years, recently found himself transiting through Mumbai Airport on an IndiGo flight from Singapore to Saudi Arabia. His six-hour layover in India was not something he had planned, and in his now-viral Instagram video, he expressed his surprise that Pakistanis could transit via India.

Standing inside Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Waqas recorded his brief yet memorable time there, sharing his experience with his followers.

“Did you know that with a Pakistani passport, you can transit through India? Of course, if you have a self-check-in flight and want to leave the airport, that’s not permitted. But if it’s a connecting flight, then you can do it.”

His journey, however, wasn’t entirely without complications. Waqas noted that when he handed over his Pakistani passport at the transfer counter, Indian airport officials looked at him suspiciously.

“They were surprised. Not many Pakistanis do this—it was new for them too.”

Despite the initial unease, Waqas took advantage of his time at the airport. He explored the lounges, tried the famous Mumbai street food ‘Vada Pav,’ and even purchased a souvenir before continuing his travels.

The video quickly gained popularity, with numerous Indian social media users extending a warm welcome to Waqas. Comments poured in, expressing joy that he had a chance to “touch Indian soil.” One user commented: “Sir, you are most welcome to India.” Another noted: “So close yet so far—if only politics didn’t keep us apart.” 

Waqas’s journey underscores a travel loophole that is often overlooked—Pakistani citizens can transit through India under certain conditions. However, it remains a rare occurrence, making his experience both remarkable and noteworthy.