Wednesday, August 14, 2024 On the occasion of Independence Day , Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, announced the launch of a new visa policy aimed at simplifying travel to Pakistan . The policy, which came into effect today at noon, introduces significant changes to the visa application process, abolishing visa fees for citizens of 126 countries. During a press conference held in Islamabad, Minister Tarar emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitating international travel to Pakistan.
He highlighted the country’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage, noting that the new policy is designed to attract tourists from around the world. “Our country is blessed with every natural blessing,” Minister Tarar stated, underscoring Pakistan’s potential as a global tourist destination. Pakistan , a captivating yet underexplored destination in South Asia, is rapidly transforming into a tourism hotspot.
This transformation is driven by a new visa-free entry policy for 49 countries, alongside other strategic initiatives aimed at boosting the tourism sector. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently ranked Pakistan as the top-performing tourism destination for the first three quarters of 2023, with international visitor numbers surging by 115% compared to the previous year. This influx of tourists contributed approximately $1.
3 billion in foreign exchange revenue, pushing Pakistan’s tourism activity to 92% of its pre-pandemic levels. However earlier the Pakistani government had introduced a new visa-free entry policy for 49 countries, including China, Thailand, and Russia. Additionally, citizens of Gulf countries can now obtain a visa upon arrival by simply presenting their passport .
This policy is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s appeal as a travel destination, particularly for tourists seeking unique cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes. The streamlined visa process is likely to reduce bureaucratic delays, which have previously hindered tourist arrivals, making Pakistan more accessible to a global audience. This is the old list: Passport Type Country Visa-Free Duration Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders Argentina Three Months Azerbaijan One Month Bahrain Three Months Brunei Dar-us-Salam One Month Cyprus Three Months Germany Three Months Iran Three Months China (including Hong Kong) Three Months / One Month Kazakhstan Three Months Lao PDR Three Months Malta One Month Mexico Three Months Norway Three Months Romania One Month South Korea Three Months Sri Lanka One Month Russia Three Months / Entire period of Assignment Tunisia One Month Turkey Three Months Vietnam Three Months Diplomatic Passport Holders Austria One Month Belgium Three Months Brazil Three Months Denmark Three Months Egypt One Month Finland Three Months Georgia Three Months Kyrgyz Republic Two Months Luxemburg Three Months Netherlands Three Months Philippines Three Months Poland Three Months Serbia One Month Slovakia Republic One Month Thailand Three Months Turkmenistan One Month Tajikistan Three Months Diplomatic & Service Official Passport Holders Belarus Three Months Czech Republic Three Months Cuba Three Months Indonesia One Month Morocco Three Months Senegal Three Months Diplomatic Holders Jordan One Month Malaysia One Month Diplomatic Special & Official Passport Holders Kuwait Three Months Yemen Three Months All Nationals of the Country Maldives One Month Nepal One Month Hashoo Group, acknowledged as Pakistan’s leading hospitality services provider, was cited as a testament to this spirit, with its touchpoints across the country’s diverse landscape.
For over sixty years, the group had sought to highlight the nation’s strengths and capabilities on both local and global scales, attracting historical enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and adventurers from around the world. The group’s offerings, ranging from picturesque resorts under the Pearl-Continental Hotels & Resorts brand in Malam Jabba, Bhurban, and Muzaffarabad, to urban properties in metropolitan centers like Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore, were noted for maintaining luxury and elegance throughout, thus presenting the finest image of the country to visitors globally. Their mission was reportedly focused on realizing Pakistan’s immense tourism and hospitality potential and enhancing the sector’s contributions to the national economy, aiming to place Pakistan on the global map of top tourist destinations.
With ongoing service evolution and expansion, the group pledged to continue showcasing Pakistan’s unique cultural diversity to the world. Recent ventures, including the first five-star golf resort in Multan, PC Legacy resort at the Rakaposhi base in Hunza, and upcoming hotels in Islamabad, Attabad, and Skardu, were mentioned as steps toward achieving this goal. This Independence Day, the group reportedly encouraged maintaining high patriotism as the nation stood at a historical crossroads, with a call to make tomorrow better than yesterday and elevate Pakistan to new heights of prosperity.
Pakistan’s major airports—Karachi Jinnah International Airport, Islamabad International Airport, and Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport—are key gateways for international travelers. These airports are expected to experience increased traffic as a result of the new visa policy. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other private carriers such as Airblue, Serene Air, and Fly Jinnah are poised to benefit from this surge, potentially expanding their domestic and international routes to accommodate the growing number of visitors .
Pakistan shares borders with China, Afghanistan, India, and Iran, and is almost connected to Tajikistan via the Wakhan Corridor. This strategic location enhances its potential as a regional travel hub, offering easy access to diverse tourist attractions. The new visa policy could also foster stronger ties with neighboring countries, encouraging cross-border tourism and economic collaboration.
With the easing of visa restrictions, Pakistan’s top tourist destinations are likely to see a rise in international visitors. Lahore, with its rich historical heritage; the scenic Hunza Valley in Karimabad; the bustling cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi; the adventure hub of Skardu; and the spiritual center of Multan are all poised to become more accessible to global travelers . While Pakistan is making strides in boosting its tourism sector, the global landscape remains challenging due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.
Several countries, including Kuwait, have imposed travel bans on Pakistan due to rising COVID-19 cases. As of the latest reports, Kuwait has banned flights and barred entry to travelers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to curb the spread of the virus. Similar restrictions have been imposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia, affecting the flow of travelers to and from these countries .
These restrictions underscore the complexities faced by Pakistan’s tourism industry in navigating the global pandemic. While the new visa policy is a positive step, ongoing health concerns and travel bans pose significant challenges to realizing the full potential of Pakistan’s tourism surge. The introduction of Pakistan’s visa-free entry policy is likely to have a significant impact on global travel patterns.
Tourists from the 49 eligible countries, including China and Russia, may now consider Pakistan as a viable travel destination, contributing to increased cultural exchange and economic growth. However, travelers must remain vigilant about the evolving COVID-19 situation, as sudden travel restrictions could disrupt plans..
