Pakistan Tightens Travel Rules for Dual Citizens – Valid NICOP or Visa Now Required

The Government of Pakistan has introduced new travel rules for dual citizens, making it mandatory for overseas Pakistanis traveling on foreign passports to carry a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or a Pakistani visa. The new directives have come into immediate effect at all international airports across the country.

Official instructions state that immigration authorities are to be instructed to enforce the new rules with utmost stringency. The government claims it is in the interests of the efficiency and transparency of the immigration system in Pakistan.

According to the dual citizenship travel rules of Pakistan, an overseas Pakistani with dual citizenship and traveling on a foreign passport will be required to bring a valid NICOP or a Pakistani visa upon arrival. Lacking either of these documents could cause travel delays, restrictions on entry to a country, or other immigration problems.

The authorities also explained that a person with an expired or cancelled NICOP will not be allowed to enter into the country. Those intending to travel must obtain a valid Pakistani visa or a new NICOP prior to their trip.

The new rules are applicable for all dual nationals irrespective of their country of residence, whether it’s the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the Middle East, Europe and elsewhere.

Authorities have urged overseas Pakistanis to check their travel documents before departing Pakistan for possible inconveniences at airports. It is advisable to the travelers to renew their expired NICOPs well before the deadline or if necessary, apply for a Pakistani visa.

The dual citizenship travel rules in Pakistan are expected to improve the immigration process while ensuring hassle-free immigration for passengers who are in possession of proper travel documents.