Pakistan has announced changes to its visa issuance procedure due to security concerns, according to sources in the Interior Ministry.
Under the new system, the Ministry of Interior will no longer issue visa-on-arrival or prior-to-arrival visas. Instead, all Pakistani visas will be issued exclusively through the country’s embassies and diplomatic missions.
How the New Visa Process Works
Applicants can still submit their visa requests through Pakistan’s online portal. Once submitted, the application is forwarded to the relevant embassy for review. Visas will only be issued after the embassy grants official clearance.
Interior Ministry officials said the updated process ensures better security verification for all travelers entering Pakistan. The change is part of broader efforts to strengthen border control and maintain national safety.
Implications for Travelers
Travelers who previously relied on visa-on-arrival must now apply through Pakistan’s embassies or consulates. Officials emphasized that the online portal remains active for submissions, but final approval will come only from the embassy.
This measure affects all types of travelers, including tourists, business visitors, and other foreign nationals. Authorities advised applicants to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for visa processing under the new system.
Reason Behind the Change
Officials said the new visa procedure addresses security concerns linked to previous issuance practices. By moving all approvals to diplomatic channels, the government can thoroughly verify applicants before granting entry.
The Interior Ministry clarified that all existing visa rules remain the same, except for the change in issuance authority. Travelers are urged to follow embassy guidelines carefully to avoid delays.
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With the new system in place, Pakistan aims to maintain both secure and efficient visa services, ensuring that applicants are properly screened before traveling to the country.
