In recent months, a lot of times both the foreigners coming to Pakistan and the Pakistani citizens are seeking information about “Is UK Visa For Pakistan Requirements?” There is so much confusion about the visa process between both nations. Let’s shed some lights on this issue.
If you have decided to travel to UK and want to find out “Is UK Visa For Pakistan” process, then here are some useful information for you.
There is so much talk about uk visa for Pakistan and how to apply yet often the application process is not clear. From my experience of helping many people fill out their uk visa applications with the high commission, nowadays I have gotten the opportunity to assist people from all parts of Pakistan.
If you’re after a UK visa in Pakistan, you have to have a sponsor, which is quite hard to find. If you find someone willing to grant you a visa, they require a large amount of money compared to other countries. Pakistan is one of the countries struggling to fight people smuggling and human trafficking. If there’s no one willing to help you and grant you your UK visa in Pakistan there are other options such as applying from another country or applying for an easier type of visa than the Tier 1 Visa.
Is Uk Visa For Pakistan Requirements
Visa requirements for Pakistani applicants changed on 12th December 2017 and some of the information provided here may be out of date. If you are in Pakistan and need to apply for a visa, you should read the official website for the UK Border Agency for up-to-date information and guidance.
All travellers
You will need a visa to enter or travel through Pakistan as a visitor. For further information consult the High Commission for Pakistan in London.
Passengers aged 12 and above require full vaccination against COVID-19 in order to undertake inbound flights to Pakistan. Some exemptions apply.
If you’re fully vaccinated
Pakistan accepts vaccines which are currently on the WHO Emergency Use Listing.
On 24 February 2022 Pakistan removed the requirement for a negative COVID-19 PCR test for vaccinated travellers entering the country.
Travellers to Pakistan are required to provide their contact information through the Pass Track App or through a web-based form. You may also have to fill in a health declaration form on arrival. Pakistan government guidance, including links to the Pass Track App, is available on their COVID-19 website.
Proof of vaccination status
Passengers aged 12 and above must present proof that they have been fully vaccinated to take inbound flights to Pakistan.
Pakistan will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.
If you’re not fully vaccinated
All passengers aged 12 and above require full vaccination against COVID-19 in order to undertake inbound flights to Pakistan unless one of the exemptions listed below applies.
Children and young people
Children aged 12-18 do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter Pakistan but are required to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours before the start of travel.
Children aged 5 and under are exempt from the Pass Track App requirement. A completed health declaration form will however be required upon arrival.
If you’re transiting through Pakistan
Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.
Transiting through Pakistan is permitted for travellers who are fully vaccinated.
Land Borders
The Pakistani authorities have closed most land borders with Afghanistan, India and Iran. There are ongoing limited border openings for repatriation and trade. The Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan has been open to those crossing with valid passports and Pakistan visas, which you can apply for on the Ministry of Interior website. All borders with Afghanistan are liable to close at short notice and there are reports of crowding and violence at open crossings. Those crossing into Pakistan may have to comply with coronavirus testing and quarantine measures. The FCDO currently advises against travel to most of the Afghanistan and Iran border areas.
Illegal entry to Pakistan is a serious offence. If you cross from Afghanistan without the correct documentation you may be subject to detention and/or deportation. There is currently no process for regularisation of status for illegal entrants which is necessary for onward travel.
Exemptions
Exemptions to the vaccination rules may apply for:
- Passengers who hold a medical certificate stating that they have been medically advised not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine
- Passengers aged 12-18 are temporarily exempt until 30 April 2022.
- Passengers who travelled outbound from Pakistan before 1 October 2021 who have connecting flights in Pakistan.
If one of these exemptions apply, you are required to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken up to 72 hours before the start of travel.
Partial, or non-vaccinated travellers seeking further exemption from the vaccination or PCR testing requirement may apply through the relevant Pakistani High Commission to an Exemptions Committee for inbound travel to Pakistan.
Travellers must provide their contact information through the Pass Track App or through a web-based form before entering Pakistan.
Disabled passengers are exempt from the Pass Track App requirement. However they will be required to complete a health declaration form upon arrival.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Passport Validity
If you are visiting Pakistan, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date of your visa application.
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Visas
If you’re travelling to Pakistan on a British passport, you will need to get a visa before you travel. Visa violations can be treated as a criminal offence and could result in a fine or detention.
Journalists’ visas often have additional travel restrictions, which you should observe.
For further information consult the High Commission for Pakistan in London, including for information on any changes in visa process during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)
You can enter Pakistan visa free and remain there for an unlimited period of stay if you hold a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or Smart National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (SNICOP). For more information visit the website of the High Commission for Pakistan in London.
Travelling with children
A single parent or other adult who is not the child’s parent may need to provide documentary evidence of parental responsibility, particularly if the child is of Pakistani origin, before the immigration authorities will allow the child to leave the country.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are valid for entry into Pakistan. Holders of an ETD entering or leaving Pakistan will need to have either a valid visa or a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) / Smart National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (SNICOP) issued by the government of Pakistan.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
Returning to the UK
All passengers leaving Pakistan must have a valid visa, a Pakistani national identity card or a valid Pakistani passport. If you are travelling on a British passport and your visa has expired you may not be allowed to board your flight unless you have a visa extension or an exit visa. Contact the Ministry of Interior, or refer to the website of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports for instructions on visa extensions and exit visas.
If you’re visiting Pakistan for more than 4 weeks, you may need to provide proof of polio vaccination when you leave Pakistan. For more information, see the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre.
Screening on departure
If you are leaving Pakistan, you must be fully vaccinated and will be screened at the airport for any symptoms of COVID-19. You may also be subject to thermal screening for high temperatures. If you are vaccinated and free from symptoms you will be allowed to travel. If you’re suspected of having symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough and breathing difficulty, you will be subject to a secondary screening by a medical professional. After which, you may be allowed to board if it is assessed that you do not have symptoms, have not been at risk of exposure and do not have a fever. If the secondary screening assesses that you may have COVID-19 you may be asked to self-isolate for 14 days before you can travel. You may also be referred to a medical facility.