IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Pakistan has expanded its online entry visa portal to nationals of 175 countries.

What does the change mean? Nationals from 175 countries are now eligible for a visa-on-arrival for tourism, while nationals from 95 countries are now eligible for a visa-on-arrival for business.

  • Implementation:Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visas on arrival.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals traveling to Pakistan for tourism and business.

Background: Eligible nationals should note that issuance of the visa-on-arrival is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the point of entry, and the traveler risks being turned away if requirements are not met. Business visa-on-arrivals are valid for 30 days. Nationals from countries not eligible for a visa-on-arrival for business can only obtain a business visa from a consulate, which is valid for 30 days.

Nationals eligible for a visa-on-arrival for business:
Algeria South Korea
Angola Kuwait
Argentina Latvia
Australia Lebanon
Austria Lithuania
Azerbaijan Madagascar
Bahrain Malaysia
Bangladesh Mauritius
Belgium Mexico
Benin Montenegro
Brazil Morocco
Bulgaria Mozambique
Cambodia Myanmar
Cameron Netherlands
Canada New Zealand
Chile Nigeria
China Norway
Columbia Oman
Comoros Panama
Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Paraguay
Croatia Peru
Czech Republic Philippines
Denmark Poland
Djibouti Portugal
Ecuador Qatar
Egypt Romania
Estonia Russia
Finland Saudi Arabia
France Senegal
Gambia Sierra Lone
Germany Singapore
Ghana Slovenia
Greece South Africa
Guatemala South Sudan
Guinea Spain
Guinea-Bissau Sri Lanka
Honduras Sweden
Hungary Switzerland
Indonesia Tanzania
Iran Thailand
Iraq Togo
Ireland Tunisia
Italy Turkey
Japan Ukraine
Jordan United Arab Emirates
Kazakhstan United Kingdom
Kenya United States of America
Vietnam

Analysis and Comments: The change is good news for nationals of the newly eligible countries as they will no longer have to obtain a business visa from the consulate and will instead be able to obtain a visa upon arrival, valid for 30 days.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Pakistan has launched an online portal that allows nationals of five countries to apply for visas online.

What does the change mean? Nationals of China, Malaysia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom may now apply for visas through the portal. Pakistan has plans to open up the portal to nationals of more countries in the future.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing. Pakistan began accepting applications through the portal last month.
  • Who is affected: Nationals of China, Malaysia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom applying for Pakistani visas.
  • Next steps: Visa applications from eligible applicants can be lodged on this Ministry of Interior website. Information on eligibility requirements, permissible activities and duration of stay is available here.

Background: Pakistani officials announced plans to liberalize the country’s visa policies in January. A pilot phase for the online portal began in March for nationals of the five countries listed above. Applicants must reside in their home country in order to use the portal, and officials say that some applicants may in some cases be called in for an interview at a Pakistani consulate.

Analysis & Comments: The pilot phase of the online visa program is an indicator that Pakistan is seeking to attract international visitors and business by introducing the new online visa process.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.