LONDON: The Government of Pakistan has clarified that overseas Pakistanis travelling on foreign passports can continue entering the country using a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), dismissing reports that suggested all foreign passport holders would now require a Pakistani visa.
A government spokesperson told Geo News that recent reports claiming British passport holders would no longer be allowed to enter Pakistan on the basis of a NICOP were incorrect and misleading.
According to the clarification, there has been no change for overseas Pakistanis carrying a valid NICOP, who can continue travelling to Pakistan on their foreign passports under the existing immigration rules.
Expired or Invalid NICOP Holders Must Obtain a Visa
The government has, however, introduced stricter enforcement for travellers whose NICOP has expired, become invalid, or has been cancelled.
Under the revised travel instructions, such passengers must obtain a valid Pakistani visa before boarding a flight to Pakistan. They may also travel using a valid Pakistani passport, if available.
Officials said the updated instructions apply to overseas Pakistanis travelling from all countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, European nations, and other parts of the world, and are not limited to any specific nationality.
Airlines Directed to Enforce Entry Requirements
To ensure compliance with the new instructions, airlines have been directed not to allow passengers to board if they are travelling on a foreign passport with an expired or invalid NICOP and do not possess a valid Pakistani visa or Pakistani passport.
According to the government spokesperson, no exceptions will be made for passengers who fail to meet the prescribed entry requirements.
Airline station managers have also been instructed to brief check-in and boarding staff so that travellers are informed of the updated requirements before departure, helping to prevent inconvenience at airports.
NADRA Introduces Digital Payment System for Citizens’ Services
Government Rejects Misinformation
The spokesperson said the government had noticed considerable confusion and misinformation circulating about the revised travel instructions.
He emphasised that the new directive does not affect overseas Pakistanis who hold a valid NICOP. Those travellers remain eligible to enter Pakistan on their foreign passports without first obtaining a visa, in accordance with the country’s existing immigration regulations.
The clarification aims to reassure overseas Pakistanis while ensuring that travellers whose NICOP documents are no longer valid complete the necessary visa formalities before travelling to Pakistan.
Importance of Keeping Travel Documents Updated
A NICOP is an identity document issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for Pakistani citizens living abroad. It allows eligible overseas Pakistanis to travel to Pakistan on their foreign passports without requiring a separate visa, provided the card remains valid.
The latest clarification serves as a reminder for overseas Pakistanis to check the validity of their NICOP before making travel arrangements. Those with expired or cancelled cards are advised to renew their documents or obtain a Pakistani visa in advance to avoid being denied boarding by airlines.
