Pakistan's online visa service kicks off for European tourists

ISLAMABAD: Tourists coming from European countries including France can now easily access the online visa service of Pakistan.

According to details, the government of Pakistan is now facilitating all tourists of the European block via its online visa service. The French tour operators have welcomed the initiation of the much-awaited service.

In March, Prime Minister Imran Khan had launched the online visa facility developed by National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), which is similar to the systems running in the US and UK.

The comprehensive online mechanism for e-visa facility is dedicated for the residents hailing from 175 countries. It follows the modern system for issuance of e-visa and on-arrival visas within a short span of three months.

It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Interior had in April notified of a new visa policy under which nationals of as many as 48 countries were extended the visa on arrival facility.

According to a notification put out by the ministry, the new visa policy came into effect from April 15.

Under the policy, visa requirements have been relaxed for 48 countries, including Brazil, Germany, Iran, Malaysia, Russia, Turkey, China, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Denmark. Whereas, India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan won’t be able to benefit from the new visa policy.