Pakistan launches new online visa policy to bolster tourism, investment

Islamabad [Pakistan], Mar 14 (ANI): Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday introduced a new online visa system to bolster tourism and foreign investments in the country.
“In order to promote tourism in Pakistan and celebrate Pakistan’s friendly relations with major nations of the world, Visa upon Arrival facility has been extended for passport holders of 50 countries now instead of just 24 in past!” Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) wrote on Twitter.
“Pakistan is blessed with beautiful landscapes and tourist locations. For yrs, we fought the war on terror. Today Pakistan is safer than ever. We welcome the world to #DiscoverPakistan”
“Prime Minister Khan formally launches E-visa facility for passport holders or 175 countries!” PTI said.
According to National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), with the introduction of the online facility, foreign tourists can now apply for the visas from their home, without having to visit Pakistan’s embassy or consulate, Dawn reported.
The tourists need to log in to https://visa.nadra.gov.pk website, fill the application form, upload the required documents and make a visa fee payment.
After the completion of the procedure, applicants will be sent a notification via email and notifications on mobile phones, which will further be reviewed upon entry into Pakistan.
“Pakistan had a mindset of making the visa-issuing process difficult. The online visa issuance policy is a big change,” the Prime Minister said while rolling out the new visa policy.
“We are giving foreigners a chance to invest and make money in Pakistan. Our northern areas are twice the size of Switzerland,” Khan added.
In the first phase, the residents of Turkey, China, Malaysia, UK and UAE will be given an e-visa facility. Later, the facility will be extended to 175 countries.
“Following Prime Minister Khan’s successful visits and Pakistan’s friendly relations with China, Malaysia, Turkey, UAE and UK, citizens of these countries will be the 1st to avail immediate 3 months visa,” PTI tweeted.
In addition to this, Pakistan Missions abroad will also grant five-year validity and one-year stay visas to foreigners of Pakistani origins and their spouses, which shall be processed in seven to 10 working days. (ANI)