Pakistan
Pakistan Introduces Visa on Arrival for GCC Residents, Waives Fees for 126 Countries. In a significant policy shift aimed at boosting tourism and business ties, Pakistan has announced visa-on-arrival services for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Oman, and waived visa fees for nationals from 126 countries. This new initiative, announced by Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, is expected to simplify travel and enhance economic relations between Pakistan and these regions.
Simplified Visa Process for Gulf Residents
Residents of Gulf countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—will now benefit from an easier on-arrival visa process when traveling to Pakistan. This change is anticipated to make travel more accessible, fostering stronger business connections and increasing tourism between Pakistan and the Gulf region.
Under the new policy, visitors from the 126 countries that are now exempt from visa fees will need to complete a streamlined application process. The application consists of a simple one-page form with 30 questions, designed to be completed in about ten minutes. Once the form is submitted, the visa will be issued directly to the applicant’s phone, valid for three months and renewable if necessary.
Focus on Religious Tourism
The revised visa policy also emphasizes support for religious tourism, particularly for Sikh pilgrims. The new regulations are expected to make it easier for Sikhs from around the world to visit Pakistan for religious festivals, reinforcing the country’s commitment to promoting its cultural and religious heritage.
Economic Implications
During a recent cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that the new visa policy might result in a short-term financial loss of a few million dollars due to the waiver of visa fees. However, he emphasized that the long-term benefits, including increased investment and economic activity, would outweigh these losses. Sharif expressed confidence that the policy would significantly boost large-scale economic activities and contribute to strengthening Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.
This new visa policy is seen as a strategic move to position Pakistan as a more open and welcoming destination for international travelers, aiming to attract both business visitors and tourists from a diverse range of countries. As the policy takes effect, Pakistan hopes to see a rise in tourism, religious pilgrimage, and foreign investment, all contributing to the country’s economic growth.
