The Ministry of Interior has notified the Federal Cabinet that citizens of India and Afghanistan will not receive visa-free entry under a newly launched program aimed at businessmen from friendly countries.
According to a report by the Business Recorder, the Cabinet was informed on July 24, 2024, that the Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with key stakeholders and the Prime Minister’s Office, has developed various proposals for visa reforms to align with the Prime Minister’s vision of visa-free entry for businessmen and tourists from select nations.
The Prime Minister had previously directed the relaxation of the visa system to attract businessmen, investors, and tourists from friendly countries. As part of these reforms, the Ministry has signed visa-free entry agreements with Nepal and the Maldives.
Additionally, a ‘Visa on Arrival’ facility has been made available for nationals of 108 countries on the Business Visa List (BVL) and 64 countries on the Tourist List.Businessmen traveling to Pakistan now need only to complete the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) form 24 hours before travel, after which the visa will be issued electronically.
The Ministry highlighted that the ETA form has been simplified, reducing the number of required fields from 161 to 30, requiring only basic information.
These initiatives are part of broader efforts to streamline the visa process and attract international business and tourism to Pakistan. However, Indian and Afghan citizens will not benefit from the visa-free entry under the current program.
