PTA Launches 120-Day Free Mobile Registration for Foreign Visitors in Pakistan – Big Relief for Travelers

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a new temporary mobile phone registration facility through its Device Registration System, known as DIRBS, allowing overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals to use their personal mobile devices in Pakistan for up to 120 days without paying import duties or facing service interruptions.

This scheme made for the people who come to Pakistan with foreign SIM cards for a short period and want to buy local SIM card while staying in Pakistan.

120-Day Validity for One Device Per Visitor

As per the new policy, all eligible people can register only one personal mobile device for temporary use with Pakistani mobile networks.

Once approved, the device is active for up to 120 days from the date of entry into Pakistan. Once the validity period expires, the device needs to be re-register if the user returns to the country.

PTA state that the visit must be applied for separately and the facility is only for a temporary use.

FBR Tax Exemption for Temporary Registration

A major provision of this policy is that registered devices will not be subject to duties and taxes from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for a period of 120 days.

This exemption expected to provide significant relief to overseas Pakistanis who frequently travel back for:

• Family visits and reunions
• Weddings and social events
• Business travel
• Emergency situations

Objective: Seamless Digital Connectivity for Visitors

PTA stated that the primary goal of this initiative is to ensure uninterrupted access to essential digital services during short stays in Pakistan.

These services include:

• Mobile internet access
• Banking and financial applications
• Ride-hailing platforms
• Messaging services such as WhatsApp
• General communication tools

Authorities emphasized that modern travel and communication heavily depend on mobile connectivity, making this facility an important step for improving user convenience.

Temporary Facility Only, Not Permanent Registration

PTA has also clarified that this system does not replace the standard mobile device registration process required for permanent use of imported phones in Pakistan.

The temporary registration:

• Applies only to short-term visitors
• Does not grant permanent approval
• Requires a new application for each visit
• Is limited to one device per user

Impact on Overseas Pakistanis and Foreign Travelers

This policy expected to particularly benefit:

• Overseas Pakistanis returning for short visits
• Tourists and business travelers
• Foreign nationals attending events or assignments in Pakistan

By simplifying mobile usage and removing tax barriers for temporary stays, PTA aims to enhance connectivity and digital accessibility across the country.

The introduction of the PTA temporary mobile registration system through DIRBS marks a significant step toward improving digital convenience for short-term visitors in Pakistan. With 120-day validity, tax exemption via FBR, and streamlined registration, the initiative designed to ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity for travelers while maintaining regulatory control over device imports.