Pakistan is making a bold move to attract international tourists with the launch of a new visa policy that significantly simplifies travel to the country. Announced by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, on August 14, 2024, the policy aims to capitalize on Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscape, making it a more accessible destination for travelers worldwide.
The new policy, which took effect at noon on August 14th, introduces several key changes to the visa application process. Most notably, it abolishes visa fees for citizens of 126 countries. This move is a testament to the Pakistani government’s commitment to facilitating international travel and boosting the country’s tourism industry.
Furthermore, Pakistan has introduced a visa-free entry policy for 49 countries, including China, Thailand, and Russia. This policy has been instrumental in driving the country’s transformation into a tourism hotspot. Citizens of Gulf countries can now also obtain a visa upon arrival by simply presenting their passport, making travel to Pakistan even more convenient.
The new visa policy is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s appeal as a travel destination, particularly for those seeking unique cultural experiences and breathtaking landscapes. The streamlined visa process is likely to reduce bureaucratic delays that previously hindered tourist arrivals, making Pakistan more accessible to a global audience.
Pakistan’s efforts to attract tourists are already showing positive results. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recently ranked Pakistan as the top-performing tourism destination for the first three quarters of 2023, with international visitor numbers surging by 115% compared to the previous year. This influx of tourists contributed approximately $1.3 billion in foreign exchange revenue, pushing Pakistan’s tourism activity to 92% of its pre-pandemic levels.
This surge in tourism is being driven by several factors, including the new visa-free entry policy, as well as strategic initiatives aimed at boosting the tourism sector. Leading hospitality providers, such as Hashoo Group, are playing a crucial role in showcasing Pakistan’s hospitality and potential to global travelers.
Hashoo Group, acknowledged as Pakistan’s leading hospitality services provider, has been instrumental in highlighting the nation’s strengths and capabilities on both local and global scales for over six decades. The group offers a diverse range of accommodation options, including picturesque resorts under the Pearl-Continental Hotels & Resorts brand in Malam Jabba, Bhurban, and Muzaffarabad, as well as urban properties in metropolitan centers like Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Lahore.
Hashoo Group’s mission is focused on realizing Pakistan’s immense tourism and hospitality potential, aiming to place Pakistan on the global map of top tourist destinations. The group continues to expand its offerings, with recent ventures including the first five-star golf resort in Multan, PC Legacy resort at the Rakaposhi base in Hunza, and upcoming hotels in Islamabad, Attabad, and Skardu.
Pakistan’s major airports, including Karachi Jinnah International Airport, Islamabad International Airport, and Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport, are key gateways for international travelers. These airports are expected to experience increased traffic as a result of the new visa policy. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other private carriers such as Airblue, Serene Air, and Fly Jinnah are poised to benefit from this surge in travel, potentially expanding their domestic and international routes to accommodate the growing number of visitors.
Pakistan’s strategic location, bordering China, Afghanistan, India, and Iran, and almost connected to Tajikistan via the Wakhan Corridor, enhances its potential as a regional travel hub. The new visa policy could also foster stronger ties with neighboring countries, encouraging cross-border tourism and economic collaboration.
With the easing of visa restrictions, Pakistan’s top tourist destinations are likely to see a rise in international visitors. Lahore, with its rich historical heritage; the scenic Hunza Valley in Karimabad; the bustling cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi; the adventure hub of Skardu; and the spiritual center of Multan are all poised to become more accessible to global travelers.
While Pakistan is making significant strides in boosting its tourism sector, the global landscape remains challenging due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Several countries, including Kuwait, have imposed travel bans on Pakistan due to rising COVID-19 cases. As of the latest reports, Kuwait has banned flights and barred entry to travelers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to curb the spread of the virus. Similar restrictions have been imposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia, affecting the flow of travelers to and from these countries.
These restrictions underscore the complexities faced by Pakistan’s tourism industry in navigating the global pandemic. While the new visa policy is a positive step, ongoing health concerns and travel bans pose significant challenges to realizing the full potential of Pakistan’s tourism surge.
The introduction of Pakistan’s visa-free entry policy is likely to have a significant impact on global travel patterns. Tourists from the 49 eligible countries, including China and Russia, may now consider Pakistan as a viable travel destination, contributing to increased cultural exchange and economic growth. However, travelers must remain vigilant about the evolving COVID-19 situation, as sudden travel restrictions could disrupt plans.
