Pakistan has announced a free visa-on-arrival policy for Sikhs around the world, especially aimed at easing the Sikh pilgrimage in Pakistan. This move comes after reports surfaced that the Indian government allegedly restricted millions of Sikhs from travelling to Pakistan to visit their sacred religious sites.
The Government of Pakistan, known for preserving and maintaining key Sikh religious landmarks including Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, has now made it easier for international Sikh devotees to access these sites. According to security sources, Sikhs holding passports and visas from third countries will now be eligible to receive a Visa on Arrival (VoA) – completely free of charge – within just 24 hours.
This policy is seen as a game-changer for those planning a Sikh pilgrimage in Pakistan, making the journey more accessible, convenient, and welcoming for followers of the Sikh faith from across the globe.
Visa-Free Entry for Over 126 Countries
Sources from the Ministry of Interior confirmed that Pakistan has rolled out this visa-free facility to citizens of over 126 countries, aiming to promote religious tourism and strengthen cultural ties. These sweeping changes in the visa policy reflect Pakistan’s commitment to opening its doors to the global Sikh community.
As part of this initiative, the visa process has been simplified significantly, allowing pilgrims to apply online and receive confirmation within a day. This step is also expected to boost religious tourism in Pakistan, particularly from countries with a large Sikh diaspora like Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia.
The decision is also being seen as a strategic diplomatic message in light of recent tensions, with Pakistan positioning itself as a more inclusive and spiritually open destination. Religious experts and tourism analysts believe this step will not only boost Sikh pilgrimage in Pakistan but also create stronger global engagement through interfaith respect and hospitality.
By offering free visa-on-arrival for Sikh pilgrims, Pakistan is reinforcing its image as a guardian of Sikh heritage, with world-renowned sites like Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib set to welcome a surge in visitors.
