visit visa to india from pakistan

The High Commission of India, Islamabad, Pakistan

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• Home › Visa Services › Pakistani Passport Holders

polio Vaccination requirement for travel to India

The High Commission of India follows a streamlined process while considering visa requests from Pakistani passport holders. In order to assist you to obtain your visa in a timely manner, please be advised that the following steps are taken before a visa application is processed:

Please visit the relevant webpage before applying for a visa:

• Visa processing for Pakistan/ Pakistan origin nationals can take any time between 15 to 90 days depending on the requirement of prior clearance and time taken in receiving prior clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs of India. If any applicant wishes to withdraw their Passports in the meantime, their application will be rejected and passport returned. The applicant will have to apply afresh for visa. 
• For returning of Passports, applicants may contact TCS/ Gerry's submission centre and give them the request at least 4 working days in advance. We will only entertain consolidated list of all such requests received from TCS/ Gerry's and will need at least two working days to trace and process those application and hand over passports. 
• For returning of Passports, applicants may contact TCS/ Gerry's submission centre and give them the request at least 4 working days in advance. We will only entertain consolidated list of all such requests received from TCS/ Gerry's and will need at least two working days to trace and process those application and hand over passports. Only those Passports of Pakistan nationals will be returned where the visa application has been submitted at least 30 days before. There applicants may like to keep this in mind before applying for Indian visa. 
• All columns must be correctly and carefully filled in the Visa Application form. Incomplete forms/ Forms with incorrect details/ typos will be rejected summarily. After completing and submitting successfully the online visa application form , the printout of the form along with prescribed supporting documents and fees are to be submitted at any of the TCS Visatronics / Gerry's International- Visa Drop Box . More details may be seen under the heading ‘ Technical Aspects for Visa processing’.
• All necessary documents must be attached with the visa application. Original must be shown, if called for an interview .
• Acceptance of visa application does not necessarily mean grant of visa. The High Commission of India reserves the right to delay/refuse visa without assigning any reasons. Visas are issued subject to various checks and clearances. Visa fee once deposited will not be refunded. 
• Suppression of facts or furnishing misleading/false information will result in denial of visa without assigning any reasons. 
• Granting of visa does not confer the right of entry which is subject to the discretion of the Immigration Authorities. 
• Canvassing for visa, suppression of material facts or submission of forged / false documents is a disqualification. Overstay of visa or violation of visa rules is a disqualification for grant of future visa. 
• No objection letter from either of the parents is required if a minor is traveling with one parent. In cases where one spouse is Indian national and the family is applying for visa of their minor children, NOC should be attached by the foreign national spouse if they are comfortable with their children travelling with the Indian national spouse. 
• Please be advised that the visa process for Pakistani/ Pakistan origin nationals is a 100 percent prior reference process and the clearance from India is mandatory. The clearance can take upto 90 days for Pakistan/ Pakistan origin nationals, after which the Visa will be processed. 
• Pakistan origin means an applicant from a foreign country who is married to Pakistan national or whose parents or grandparents have held a Pakistani passport in the past. 
• Pakistanis holding dual nationality must apply only on their Pakistani passports. Those who have either renounced Pakistani nationality or cancelled their Pakistani passport would need to submit documentary proof in this regard. Foreign passport holders of Pakistani origin may kindly submit the online visa application form along with the foreign passport and a valid Pakistani visa or copy of a Pakistan Overseas Card (NICOP) or a Citizenship Renunciation Letter issued by Ministry of Interior of Pakistan.
• Ban on use of Thuraya/Irridium and Other Satellite Phones in India. Satellite telephone services are not permitted in India and therefore handsets of Thuraya, Irridium and other such satellite operators are not allowed in India. In case those visiting India are found to be in possession of any of these sets, these would be seized and the holder could be prosecuted under Section 6 of Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of Indian Telegraph Act.
• Visa applications of non-resident foreign nationals will be entertained for short term Tourist visa (3 month/ single entry) only subject to fulfilment of all criteria. They are advised to obtain long term Tourist visas and other categories of visas from the country of their origin.
• Tourists who plan to enter by Wagah Border on a motorcycle or car tour may also submit supporting documents/ proof related to their travel by these means.
• Non-resident Foreign Nationals should be prepared to be called for interview to understand the purpose of travel to India.
• Foreign Nationals working with Diplomatic Missions, UN and International Organisation , travelling to India are required to submit their visa application at the Embassy counter directly. Their Visa application should be accompanied by a Note Verbale, stating dates/ purpose and places of travel. Production of Passport at the time of submission is mandatory, thereafter it will be returned immediately. Passport will then be required only for the stamping of Visa.
• The Visa application for Diplomatic Missions, UN and International Organisations is processed generally in 10 working days. However, for specific cases, we may take more time. Therefore, applicants need not provide us with confirmed itinerary and travel tickets. Tentative itinerary along with Note Verbale is fine.
• Online Visa Form can be filled at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/ >>For Regular/ Paper visa by Mission/ Post, apply Here >> Regular/ Paper Visa application. The Online Visa Form will open.
• Select Pakistan as the Country/ Region you are applying Visa from; PAKISTAN-ISLAMABAD as the Indian Mission/ Office and your Nationality.
• Maximum characters accepted by the Website for filling the online application form in the address field is 50 characters including commas,dash and spaces .
• When filing the Online Form, please ensure all details entered are accurate. The option to edit form is not available once the form has been saved. In such case, a new form needs to be filled with correct information.  Any visa application form with incorrect detail will be summarily rejected by the Indian High Commission.
• After data fields have been filled, the applicant will be asked to upload his/ her Passport size photograph. Technical specification as below:
• Format – JPEG; Size - Minimum 10 KB , Maximum 1 MB; The minimum dimensions are 350 pixels (width) x 350 pixels (height); Recent front facing photograph with white background and full frontal face (ear to ear to be visible) to be uploaded by the applicant; Do not crop the Passport Image to use it as your recent photograph; Upload clear front facing photograph with preferable white/light coloured background; The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded photograph are not clear and as per specification.
• You can use either an Ink-Jet or Laser printer to print the completed Visa Application Form once you have submitted online. 
• This site is best viewed in Internet Explorer (Windows) version 8.0 and above. 
• You must also have Adobe Acrobat Reader version 7.0 or a higher version installed on your computer in order to download and print the completed application form. 
• Printout of the completed form, signed by applicant is to be submitted. Unsigned form will be summarily rejected.
• It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background and full frontal face (ear to ear to be visible) is pasted on Visa Application form before submission. Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted. The applicants photograph should be most recent one. Detailed requirements regarding the photo can be found in the Indian Online VISA Site.
• Visa processing can take any time between 15 to 90 days depending on the requirement of prior clearance and time taken in receiving prior clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs of India. If any applicant wishes to withdraw their Passports in the meantime, their application will be rejected and passport returned. The applicant will have to apply afresh for visa. 
• All columns must be correctly and carefully filled in the Visa Application form. Incomplete forms/ Forms with incorrect details/ typos will be rejected summarily. After completing and submitting successfully the online visa application form , the printout of the form along with prescribed supporting documents and fees are to be submitted at any of the TCS Visatronics / Gerry's International- Visa Drop Box . 
• Acceptance of visa application does not necessarily mean grant of visa . The High Commission of India reserves the right to delay/refuse visa without assigning any reasons. Visas are issued subject to various checks and clearances. Visa fee once deposited will not be refunded. 
• Note: Pakistanis holding dual nationality must apply only on their Pakistani passports. Those who have either renounced Pakistani nationality or cancelled their Pakistani passport would need to submit documentary proof in this regard. Foreign passport holders of Pakistani origin may kindly submit the online visa application form along with the foreign passport and a valid Pakistani visa or copy of a Pakistan Overseas Card (NICOP) or a Citizenship Renunciation Letter issued by Ministry of Interior of Pakistan.
• When filing the Online Form, please ensure all details entered are accurate. The option to edit form is not available once the form has been saved. In such case, a new form needs to be filled with correct information. 
• Printout of the completed form, signed by applicant is to be submitted. Unsigned form will be summarily rejected. 
• It is a mandatory requirement to ensure that your photo is 2 inch x 2 inch (51mm x 51mm) in size with white background and full frontal face (ear to ear to be visible). Photos which do not meet this specification will not be accepted. The applicants photograph should be most recent one. Detailed requirements regarding the photo can be found in the Indian Online VISA Site.  

(Visitor Visa) (Business Visa) (Conference Visa) (Pilgrim Visa) (Medical / Medical Attendant Visa) (Journalist Visa) (Student Visa) (Transit Visa) (Official Visa) (Assignment Visa) (Group Tourist Visa)

Frequently Asked questions:

Can I submit my visa application at the High Commission directly?

This facility is open only for Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders whose Visa application is accompanied by a Note Verbale from the respective Mission/ Post.

ALL OTHER visa applicants are requested to approach the TCS Visatronics / Gerry's International- Visa Drop Box available in the following cities in Pakistan: Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Mirpur Khas, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Sialkot and Sukkur.

What governs the issuance of Indian visas to Pakistani nationals?

Visa services for Pakistani nationals are governed by the India-Pakistan Bilateral Visa Agreement, 2012, which came into effect on December 14, 2012.

What kind of visa should I apply for?

Please apply for a visa depending on your purpose of visit to India. Please be advised, a Tourist Visa is NOT issued to Pakistani passport holders. The different types of visas that you can apply for are:

• Visitor Visa (including artistes, sportsperson, cultural troupes)  
• Business Visa  
• Conference Visa  
• Pilgrim Visa  
• Medical / Medical Attendant Visa  
• Journalist Visa  
• Student Visa  
• Transit Visa  
• Official Visa  
• Assignment Visa  

ALL visa applicants are requested to approach the TCS Visatronics / Gerry's International- Visa Drop Box available in the following cities in Pakistan: Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Mirpur Khas, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Sialkot and Sukkur.

What is the visa fee?

Visa fee for Pakistani passport holders for all types of visas is PKR 100/-.

Can I submit hand filled visa application forms?

The High Commission does NOT accept hand filled visa application forms. You have to fill the online visa application form and follow the steps mentioned above. However, filling the online visa application form is only one of the steps in the visa application process.

Processing of the visa application will only commence when the High Commission receives the printed signed online application form along with your passport (or copy of the passport) and requisite documents.

Till when can I undertake the journey?

The visa is valid from the date of its issue and not from the date of entry into India. Also, you have to complete your journey, i.e., leave India before the date of validity of visa, as endorsed on it. Applicants may like to keep this in mind while filling the online visa application form . Please do not finalise your travel arrangements to India before obtaining the visa. 

What is a group case? Is there a different process if I am applying in a group? How do we apply our cases in a group?

In case two or more of you intend to visit India together and would be traveling to all the destinations at the same time, then you can fill the online visa application form from the following weblink: Online Application Form for Group Case

This weblink has been made for your convenience as it will allow you to fill the online forms faster, as this link will allow entry of common details in India only once and not filled separately for all the applications individually.

This is useful if you are visiting India as a family, for purposes such as visit, pilgrimage, conference, medical or business exhibition.

I am having a problem filling the online visa application form. Whom should I contact?

For any assistance in filling the online visa application form, you can contact the respective Visa Drop Box centre. For any technical issues being faced while filling up the application, you may write to [email protected] 

Can I submit my application without documents?

Submission of documents is MANDATORY and such documents must be clear and legible. Since the documents to be submitted depends on the type of visa applied for, please see the relevant webpage for the visa type to see the list of documents required. Documents will have to be submitted along with the visa application form and passport (or its copy) for the High Commission to process the visa request. In case you are not in a position to submit necessary documents, the visa application will not be accepted by TCS Visatronics / Gerry's International- Visa Drop Box 

Why am I being called for an interview?

You may be requested to come for personal interview to Visa Counter of the High Commission, Islamabad when contacted.

Please ensure that the correct contact numbers are mentioned in your application. Time and date of such interviews will be fixed in consultation with the applicant. You may be called for an interview so that the High Commission can personally verify the purpose of your visit as well as confirm the documents submitted by you.

Why is there a delay in issuing visas?

Once a visa application is received by the High Commission, all applications are scrutinized and electronically referred to the Foreigner Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, India for necessary clearance.

Once clearance is received, the visa is endorsed and dispatched to you through TCS Visatronics / Gerry's International- Visa Drop Box availed by you.

The average visa processing time for each application is 60 working days,from the day of receipt by the High Commission.

It is advisable to plan your travel accordingly.

Can I submit the passport later for endorsement of visa?

In case you intend to travel and need your passport, you can initially submit only a copy of your valid passport at the time of submission of your visa application at TCS Visatronics / Gerry's International- Visa Drop Box.

You can submit your passport once you have been informed that clearance for issuance of visa has been issued through TCS/ Gerry's.

Please note that the High Commission will reject all visa applications which are older than 3 months and/or submitted without the passport after that period.

Why am I asked to specify names of cities that I intend to visit in India?

Visa issued to Pakistan nationals are city specific and ordinarily a visa is endorsed only for travel to 5 (five) places during each visit.

Why have two immigration sheets been sent with my visa?

Along with the visa, two immigration sheets are also issued (one each for entry & exit) which you are required to carry while traveling to India and submit to the Indian Immigration Officer.

Why was I issued a different visa then than I had requested?

The issuance of visa, its type and duration are determined on the merits of each case. Till when can I undertake the journey? Till when is my visa valid? The visa is valid from the date of its issue and NOT from the date of entry into India. You have to complete your journey, i.e., leave India before the date of the expiration of the visa, as endorsed on it.

Applicants should consider these aspects while filling the online visa application form . Please do not finalize your travel arrangements to India before obtaining a visa. 

Where is the High Commission of India, Islamabad located? How can I reach it, in case I want to submit a medical or family emergency visa application?

All Visa applications can only be submitted through TCS/ Gerry's. Only Visa applications along with a Note Verbale from the host Government/ resident diplomatic representations, UN & Specialized Bodies is received at the High Commission Counter from 9 am to 12:45 PM, Monday to Friday.

The Visa Section is located at Street 3, High Commission of India, Diplomatic Enclave, Sector G-5, Islamabad. You can reach the Visa Section by taking the Diplomatic Shuttle Service from Islamabad Convention Centre, Islamabad.

For Visa Status enquires, you can email to [email protected].

List of holidays in 2022 for the High Commission are available here

Whom should I contact if I have to make a complaint against TCS Visatronics or Gerry’s International - Visa Drop Box?

You can contact Mr. Gaurav Kumar Thakur, First Secretary, Email: [email protected] or Mr Mukesh Kumar Soni, [email protected] and register a complaint. The High Commission takes all complaints seriously and necessary action will be taken against the concerned.

Is there any different process to visit restricted/protected areas in India?

Foreigners may visit restricted/protected areas only after obtaining a valid permit as your entry visa alone does not allow travel to these areas.

Do I need any vaccination certificate prior to visiting India? 

All applicants applying for visa in Pakistan require a Polio Certification.

Foreigners coming from or through Yellow Fever countries must be able to produce a valid vaccination certificate. All Applicants are also advised to check latest guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in respect of COVID 19 and carry necessary certificate of vaccination/COVID-test.

Can I buy or procure in India any wildlife or wildlife products such as ivory, fur or animal skin article?

The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 bans all forms of wildlife trade. Violations of the provisions of the Act are punishable with heavy fines and imprisonment. Foreigners are, therefore, advised not to buy any wildlife or wildlife products or derivatives - especially ivory articles, fur and skin articles derived from wild animals such as Shahtoosh.

Is possession of narcotics or psychotropic drugs illegal?

Please by forewarned that buying, selling, using or being in possession of psychotropic drugs or any other narcotic substance while in India is a cognizable offence punishable by imprisonment under The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 .

What does Police Reporting on my visa mean? Does every member of my family need to report to the police? Can someone else report on my behalf? Do medical patients also have to report to the police?

All Pakistani nationals, except those holding Indian visas endorsed "exempted from police reporting", will be required to register, in person, at the nearest police station / Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) / Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) within 24 hours of reaching the specified place of stay.

You will also have to make a similar report 24 hours prior to your intended time/ date of departure from each place of stay to the nearest police station / Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) / Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO).

In addition, please note the following:

• You are not required to register with the police station, if you are only transiting a particular city and not going to stay overnight. 
• In case you do not visit any particular city which has been endorsed on your visa, you do not have to report to the police in that city. 
• You do not have to report to the police in the order in which places have been endorsed on your visa. 
• If you are traveling with family, only one member of the family will be required to appear before the registration authority for registering on behalf of the family. 
• If you are holder of a medical visa, patients as well as accompanying attendants must register with the FRRO/FRO concerned within 7 days of arrival. Accompanying attendants can also register on your behalf along with necessary document from the hospital concerned, where you have been admitted for treatment. 
• If you are a bonafide business person going to India on a business visit, you can personally report to police for registration or depute an authorized representative to report arrival, in writing, to the nearest police station / Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) / Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) within 24 hours of your reaching the specified place. The authorised representative shall also make a similar report on your behalf 24 hours prior to your intended departure from each place of stay. 
• In case you are holding a transit visa, valid for a period not exceeding 36 hours, you will be required to register only at the immigration point of entry. 

What do I do in case there is a mistake on my visa or I need to change certain specifications of my visa?

On receipt of visas and immigration sheets, please verify all particulars on the visa. In case of any discrepancy, please get contact the High Commission immediately, before undertaking the journey.

The High Commission will not be responsible for any inconvenience caused to you due to discrepancies in the visa, not brought to the notice of the High Commission. The High Commission takes every reasonable precaution while handling passport, applications as well as documents of applicants and shall not be liable in any manner whatsoever to the applicant for any loss in transit, accident, fire, theft, natural calamities or any other reason outside the control of the High Commission.

Can I perform some commercial activity like sale purchase or signing any contract while on a visitor visa?

Any misrepresentation or undertaking of activities in India incompatible with the visa category can result in an immediate revocation of the visa and deportation from India. For example, if you have been given a visitor visa and you perform activities which are commercial in nature, then you are likely to be deported from India and denied a visa for subsequent entry into India.

Why was I not issued a visa?

Applications which are incomplete or contain incorrect information will be returned without being processed by the High Commission. This includes incorrect photographs ( ear to ear full frontal face should be visible), absence of signature or enclosed documents, incorrect name of Mother/ Father or Birth details.

Additionally, the High Commission reserves its right to return/reject any application without citing any reason.

How much money can I carry with me while going to India? Can I carry Indian currency with me?

You can bring into India any amount of foreign exchange, subject to the condition that on arrival a declaration is made to the custom authorities in a Currency Declaration Form. It is necessary to fill out a declaration form if the foreign exchange (in the form of currency notes, bank notes, traveller's cheques etc.) exceeds US$ 10,000 or its equivalent and /or the aggregate value of foreign currency notes is US$ 5,000 or its equivalent.

Bringing Indian currency by any foreign national into India is prohibited and punishable under Indian law. If Indian currency is found in your possession, you may be arrested or deported immediately from point of entry itself . Therefore, please do not convert foreign exchange into Indian currency in Pakistan for taking into India.

Travellers cheques in US$ and pounds are easily exchangeable and ATMs are available in major Indian cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and large stores. If you are carrying any foreign currency notes, carry them to India and exchange them into Indian rupees in India itself.

What surrogacy arrangement rules should I be aware of?

Any person seeking a visa to visit India for purposes of entering into a surrogacy arrangement must ascertain beforehand from relevant authorities in Pakistan whether surrogacy would be permitted by law and the child will be provided appropriate travel documents for accompanying the surrogate parents to Pakistan. Entering into surrogacy arrangements without prior intimation that the travel is for this purpose is punishable under Indian law.

When was the last time that information provided on the website was updated?

The High Commission, in its sole discretion, may change, amend, cancel or withdraw any or all the terms and conditions mentioned on this website at any time without prior notice.

Please check the date mentioned at the bottom of each webpage to know the date of last update.

The High Commission assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information mentioned on this website.

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• Home › › › › Visa for Pakistani Passport Holders/ Foreign Passport holders of Pakistani Origin

1. Pakistani nationals holding dual nationality must apply only on their Pakistani Passport.

2. US passport holders of Pakistani origin must submit their visa application form along with:

     a. Certificate of Renunciation of Pakistani Citizenship

     b. Their foreign passport with valid Pakistani visa OR Copy of the Pakistan Origin Card

3. Processing time : Minimum 7-8 weeks

4.How to apply : Apply online on the VFS website https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/

Note : While applying online make sure that Entry & Exit point should be same in application.

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Page last updated on: April 10, 2024

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Can you travel from Pakistan to India?

A lot of travelers want to know if it’s possible to travel from Pakistan to India (or India to Pakistan). I’m here to say yes—yes it is! Here are ways to travel from Pakistan to India, border crossing tips, and more.

India and Pakistan are like brothers. Despite their tensions and occasional fights, they’re cut from the same cloth, and there are just as many similarities between the two as there are differences. It makes sense that curious travelers are always interested in visiting both countries!

But before they do, they always ask the same questions: can you travel from Pakistan to India? Is it allowed to travel from India to Pakistan?

By now, I’ve spent literal years in both countries, acquired several visas for both countries, and have traveled between the two multiple times. So yes, it’s possible. Here’s what you need to know if you want to travel from Pakistan to India or India to Pakistan.

Table of Contents: Travel from Pakistan to India

• Visas to travel between Pakistan and India

Is it safe to travel from Pakistan to India?

• Visa problems when traveling from Pakistan to India
• Border crossings between Pakistan and India
• Trains between Pakistan and India
• Flights between Pakistan and India
• Driving between Pakistan and India

Most important: visas to travel between Pakistan and India

How you travel from Pakistan to India depends primarily on one factor: which visas you have for the two countries.

Visas to travel from Pakistan to India

Traveling from Pakistan to India is more complicated; India has more strict requirements about what visas can be used where.

If you’re in Pakistan already and you have an e-visa for India , the only way you can enter India from Pakistan is to fly in. There are no direct flights to India from Pakistan—surprise surprise, the countries don’t get along!—so the cheapest way to fly from Pakistan to India is to go to Dubai with one of the many budget airlines operating in Pakistan, then look for a Dubai to New Delhi flight.

However, if you have a sticker visa for India in your passport, you can enter India from Pakistan by land at the Wagah Border. You must apply for this visa in an Indian embassy, either in your home country or on the road. It is possible to apply for an Indian visa in Pakistan; you can apply for an Indian visa through a visa service in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Visas to travel from India to Pakistan

This direction is much easier! If you’re already in India, no matter what Indian visa you have — e-visa or sticker visa—you can enter Pakistan by land. Pakistan uses an e-visa system, but once you have your e-visa, you can use it at any airport or land border. If you want to come back to India after visiting Pakistan, make sure your Indian e-visa is a multiple-entry visa!

Still need to apply for your Pakistan e-visa? I work together with a local company in Pakistan to offer some of the cheapest Pakistan letters of invitation on the market.

Yes, at the time of writing, it’s extremely safe (and common) for tourists to travel from Pakistan to India or vice versa. Though the two countries do not get along, the area near the Wagah Border is very safe and secure. There’s a border closing ceremony that happens every day in front of thousands of local and foreign tourists; if it wasn’t safe, they wouldn’t let us watch!

There are occasional skirmishes along other parts of the India-Pakistan border. However, most of them are in the Kashmir region, and foreign tourists are not allowed to go close to the border—also known as the Line of Control, LOC—in those areas. Not that you need to, anyway; the only border crossing between Pakistan and India is the Wagah Border near Lahore.

As for travel within either country, yes, definitely safe enough to travel. Travel in Pakistan can be a bit more complicated than travel in India—India sees way more tourists, after all, unless you’re in offbeat destinations in India —but both are a treat to travel for those who don’t mind a little bit of chaos every now and then.

I’ve traveled extensively in both Pakistan and India over the years, and never had a problem with obtaining visas for either!

Will I have visa problems if I say I want to travel from Pakistan to India?

Many travelers hoping to go from Pakistan to India are afraid that future visa applications will be rejected if they visit the neighboring country… or that they’ll face scrutiny inside either country once there.

Not quite! As I said already, I’ve traveled from Pakistan to India and India to Pakistan multiple times without serious issues.

Occasionally at the Wagah border, I was regarded with some curious looks… but I’d gone on several visa runs from Pakistan to India, some lasting as little as 5 minutes. Any customs official would be confused if they saw someone turn right around 5 minutes after entering the country!

When entering India for the very first time (by air at that time), the customs officer gave me a look when he saw my Pakistan visa. He asked me about my visit there, but more as a segue into trying to convince me that India is better than Pakistan (sigh) rather than creating problems for me. He ended up stamping my passport—right over the Pakistan stamp because petty—so in the end, all was well.

Which border crossing should I use for overland travel from Pakistan to India?

The Wagah border is the only open border crossing to travel from Pakistan to India. It’s about 1 hour away from Lahore and is easily accessible by taxi or rickshaw.

If crossing from India to Pakistan or vice versa, make sure to get to the border by the early afternoon; the border closes around 3 PM so they can prepare for the border closing ceremony that happens around sunset every evening.

Check out my guide to the Wagah border crossing between Pakistan and India for more detailed information on how to cross the border overland.

Are there trains that travel from Pakistan to India?

There used to be one train route running between Pakistan and India… but alas, at the time of writing, the Pakistan-India train line is closed. Security tensions between the two countries were one reason for the closure, and a lack of traffic was another. Trains in Pakistan and India are always a delight, so I’m hoping the train line will reopen to tourists, families, and business travelers sometime in the coming years!

Train travel in Pakistan and India is a delight… but you can’t travel from Pakistan to India by train at the moment, unfortunately.

Are there flights from Pakistan to India?

Years ago, PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) operated flights to and from India. These days, that option is out; there wasn’t enough demand. There are currently no direct flights between any destinations in Pakistan and India. If you want to fly from Pakistan to India, you need to connect somewhere else in the Middle East. It’s very easy to find budget flights to Dubai, Qatar, or Abu Dhabi from Pakistan. I recommend taking a budget flight out of Pakistan to Dubai, then booking a Dubai to New Delhi flight so you can avail India’s easy e-visa services.

Can vehicles travel from Pakistan to India?

Yes, it’s possible to cross the Wagah border and travel from Pakistan to India or India to Pakistan in/on your own vehicle!

If you’re on a bicycle, it’s extremely easy to cross; the process is the same as crossing the border on foot.

If you’re traveling by car, motorcycle, or some other motorized vehicle, you’ll need to have a Carnet de Passage for both Pakistan and India. The border is not particularly complicated in regards to customs; just make sure that you get the correct exit and entry stamps on your CdP before leaving the border area.

Alex Reynolds

5 thoughts on “ can you travel from pakistan to india ”.

Thanks. It was good to read it. Lots of good info and tips. I am interested to visit India and this article was very informative and helpful. I was born in India before the partition and I yearn to visit my place of birth before I breathe my last. .Zaki Sabih

Thank you very much for this article! Very informative read! I am planning on arriving overland through Pakistan and then crossing into India. It will not be possible for me to get an Indian visa in my home country as it will run out before I get there. Can you share which visa service you were mentioning in Islamabad? Thanks!

If I Travel from uk to pakistan by flight with a British passport and then go India via wagah border by road . Can I select : wagah rail station as my Departure port on my Pakistan e visa application . Or will it be a problem. Please tell me as I no one seems to have the answer to this .

Hi! I plan to go to India for a month, then Pakistan for few days and then back to India for a bit more before flying back to Thailand.

I’d do both crossings over Wagah border but you said in case of Pakistan-India crossing it’s not possible – need sticker visa instead of e-visa.. How long is the process to get a sticker visa for India in embassy in Islamabad?

But then you said it’s also ok with multiple entry tourist e-visa for India to cross Wagah border back to India? So no need for sticker visa? Multiple entry tourist visa will do it on Wagah border crossing from Pakistan back to India?

Bit confused 😅 Looking forward to your feedback!

Thank you 🙏🏽

Hi I planed to to india from pakistan by car for I year of 2024 and then I get flight to Muscat by delhi airport it is possible or not I have no pakistani nationality I want to get omani nationality Pakistan is not a good country for me I am from gulf of Saudi arabia I live in saudi arabia for 10 years then I leave s audia arabia due to tex

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Applying for Indian Visa being of Pakistani origin - India Forum

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I just want to detail my experience of applying for an Indian tourist visa; however, I should point out everyone's case/circumstances is individual to them and following the below will not necessitate that you will get a visa. I recently applied for tourist visas for myself, my wife and our one year old. We are all British born, hold British passports/nationality only. My father and both in-laws were born in Pakistan (mother was born in Kenya). The Indian consulate classes you of Pakistani origin though you were born in Britain whereas technically you are of Pakistani ethnicity - so if you have parents or grandparents born in Pakistan, you're classed as Pakistani origin.

To apply for an Indian visa, you must apply via VFS and cannot apply online; it will be automatically rejected if you do - we applied via VFS Birmingham, but first went in and spoke to them about what was required and then applied. Below is what we had to give:

2. A letter stating you are not a Pakistani national nor have you ever been

3. A letter stating you don't have tax returns if it is the first year of self-employment

4. 3 months bank statements

5. A full detailed itinerary of what you intend to visit every day

6. A letter stating we will be funding the trip ourselves, we won't be a burden on the Indian government and it is for tourism purposes

7. A letter of consent from both parents that we are happy for our one-year-old to travel with us

8. A copy of one-year-olds birth certificate

9. Flight reservations (don't pay for them, just reserve them)

10. Hotel reservations (don't pay for it, just reserve)

11. Passport (they keep hold of this; you can withdraw it if required but need to give it back - we didn't withdraw any of them)

12. Payment (£133 per person)

VFS inform you that it will take a minimum of 45 working days for the application to be processed; it could take longer, it just depends upon your circumstances. We applied on December 27th 2018 and received our passports February 4th with 3 months visas within them (Feb 1st to April 30th). I did chase up VFS a couple of times however they informed us they cannot tell us anything as it is the Indian Consulate who make the decision. You have the option of paying for a postal application (£14 extra per application) via VFS where they will post your passports out to you otherwise you go and pick them up if you don't opt for this service.

Please note:

a. You have to also submit your application online via VFS and book an appointment to go in to submit the hard copy with all the paperwork

b. The photographs you submit are an odd size, so ensure you have the right ones - passport photos will not be accepted

c. My sponsor (a Hindu) was visited 3 times by the Indian Police/Secret Service

d. It is imperative to give as much information as possible about your trip - I stressed we were going for tourism and that the wonderful country of India was a country we had wanted to visit for some time and having been well travelled and visited other countries, we now wanted to visit India

e. You will be given receipts of your submissions - DO NOT LOSE THESE as you'll need them for collection

64 replies to this topic

Good to see Zeeshan that you got your visas. Life can needlessly get so difficult with the visas of these two countries. Hope it gets easier and more people can see a bit of their roots.

There is another post on tripadvisor where the husband used their hotel as a referee and the wife said she never had one. In truth my referee wasn’t too pleased about it.

hopefully visitng delhi, agra and mumbai.

Hi Zeeshan, Thank you so much for going into detail regarding this. I am in the same boat as you. I have applied and it has been 6 weeks and no answer. They still have my passports (along with my wife and 2 kids, all of us are british born, just my dad is pakistani which means we are all treated as pakistani as well).

Since your visa took around 45 days, did they have your passports for that long as well?

Hi Zeeshan, Thank you so much for the Info! much appreciate. I am in the same situation as you. My wife is british born but with an indian background (mother in law is indian) and I am British born pakistani (dads pakistani). We have 2 kids. I have gone through the same process as you did and we are still waiting. it's been around 6 weeks and trying to get in contact with the VFS and the consulate but no luck.

I wanted to know if they kept your passports for the 45 days it took for your visa to get granted?

Also how was india? any travel tips with a child?

Thanks a lot brother.

I am an Indian national and I applied for a tourist visa for my wife who is a US citizen of Pakistani origin. We submitted documents in mid June 2019 and at the time of submission, they mentioned it would take at least 60 business days to get a response because of all the clearance and verification that it had to go through.

It's been 54 business days so far and out of anxiety, I tried getting in touch with Indian consulate in Chicago to get an update but after several attempts they answered my call and took my information telling me they would get back in couple of days. They also asked me to email the same but I haven't heard back anything via call or email yet. The lady over the phone sounded very optimistic about getting me a response the next week so I'm hoping they would respond soon.

I'll keep you all updated. Hopefully, this helps people who are in same boat as me to know what to expect.

Did you hear back from them?

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Do I need a visa to visit Pakistan?

Sep 4, 2023 • 6 min read

Pakistan is one of the world's great adventures, and getting a visa is getting easier © Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost / Getty Images

One of Asia’s most fascinating countries, Pakistan lies off the mainstream travel map, but those who do visit rave about its historic monuments, spectacular scenery, fabulous food and richly layered culture. Visiting throws up some challenges, but it’s getting easier all the time, helped by an improving security situation and easing visa regulations. 

If you’re up for the adventure of seeing one of Asia’s true frontiers, away from the tourist crowds, here’s everything you need to know about getting a visa for Pakistan.

Who needs a visa for Pakistan?

Visitors from most countries need a visa to enter Pakistan, and the rules vary from nationality to nationality. The good news is that most of the application process is now handled online. Citizens of 192 nations can apply for a visa via the Ministry of Interior’s (sometimes temperamental) visa portal . To use the system, you’ll need to register using your passport number and email address.   

Can I get a visa on arrival?

Citizens of more than 60 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most EU countries, can obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online. This allows you to travel to Pakistan and obtain a visa on arrival. The application process is straightforward, but the website can be glitchy, so apply in plenty of time – at least 72 hours before you travel, and ideally a few weeks ahead.

A special 30-day tourist visa is granted on arrival for some nationalities, including citizens of Turkey, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. The online visa system can also be used to apply for business visas and special visas for trekking and mountaineering groups.

What are the rules for Indian travelers?

Owing to their shared colonial past,  India and Pakistan have a complicated relationship. Indian citizens have to carry out extra steps to obtain a visa for Pakistan. Tourist visas are not available, but Indian citizens can apply for visas to visit family and friends, do business, and visit religious sites.

The Pakistan government visa portal does not work in India and visa applications are typically handled by Pakistani embassies and high commissions. If you are a non-resident Indian citizen, contact your local Pakistani diplomatic mission for advice. Note that Indian citizens can only arrive and leave Pakistan via certain designated airports and land border crossings.

What information do I need for the visa application?

When you apply for a visa, you’ll be asked about your travel history and travel plans and your marital status, education, financial status, and other personal details. You’ll also need to provide various details about your father and mother. Not all of the information requested is required; a PDF guide is available to help you work out which sections you need to fill in.

When you apply for your ETA, you’ll need to upload scans of your passport and a digital passport-style photo, and pay the visa fee using a bank card. You’ll also be asked to upload “supporting documents” – for independent travelers, proof of a hotel booking should suffice. If you’re joining a tour, you’ll need a letter of invitation from the agency arranging your trip. If you’re staying with friends or family, ask them to provide a letter of invitation.

Depending on your circumstances, there’s a chance you may be asked to attend an interview at the nearest Pakistan embassy or high commission (find details for Pakistan’s overseas missions online ). 

Where can I get a Visa on Arrival?

Visas are issued on arrival to travelers with valid ETAs at Pakistan’s main international airports, including Karachi , Lahore and Islamabad . The process is reasonably efficient – you’ll need to print the ETA confirmation email and carry the printout with you to show to border officials to get the necessary stamps.

Don’t rely on being able to enter Pakistan by land with an ETA (including via the Attari-Wagah border crossing between Amritsar and Lahore). If you plan to enter overland, contact your local Pakistani embassy or high commission for advice. Travelers cannot apply for an Indian visa in Pakistan; if you intend to cross back into India, make sure you have a valid multiple-entry visa for India when you enter Pakistan.

How long are visas valid for?

Three-month single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visas are fairly easy to obtain for most travelers, and longer visas valid for six months or one year are available for some nationalities. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date you apply, and the ETA is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so you must travel to Pakistan within this period.

Visa fees vary depending on your nationality, the duration of the visa, and the number of entries. British and American citizens pay US$60/90 for a three-month tourist visa (single/multiple entry), while German citizens pay US$50/75 and French citizens pay US$35/52.50. Check the fee for your nationality using the online fee calculator .

Can I get a visa extension?

Theoretically, tourist visas can be extended for up to six months but approval isn’t guaranteed. The best time to apply is a few weeks before the end of your existing visa, via the Ministry of the Interior . If you are traveling with a Visa on Arrival, you may be able to apply for an extension via the government’s visa portal.

Off-limits areas of Pakistan

Even with a visa, some parts of Pakistan are inaccessible to travelers unless you have special permission from the government. This includes areas close to the borders with China and Afghanistan and districts close to the Line of Control – the de facto border between India and Pakistan in the disputed territory of Azad Kashmir.

The same rule used to cover many other parts of the country, but in 2019, the government of Imran Khan relaxed the requirement for official permission to visit areas such as the Swat Valley and Chitral. However, the rules are in constant flux, so check locally to see if permission is currently required.  

To visit restricted areas of the country, you’ll need to obtain a No Objection Certificate from the Pakistan Ministry of Interior. Application forms can be downloaded online but it may be easier to arrange a trip through a local tour agency so they can help with the paperwork.

Don’t rely on being able to obtain permission to travel close to Pakistan’s borders. The government maintains a list of prohibited areas that are currently closed to certain nationalities (and hard to reach for other nationalities too).

Presenting your documents in Pakistan

Wherever you travel in Pakistan, you’ll need to show your passport and visa periodically at police checkposts, so make photocopies of each and keep these handy. You’ll also need to register with the local authorities to visit many areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan on the Karakoram Highway .  

Travelers may also be required to take a police escort to visit certain locations, including parts of Sindh and southern Punjab. While having an armed entourage might sound alarming, this is usually done out of an overabundance of caution, rather than because there is a serious danger.

This said, it’s a good policy to monitor travel advisory notices from your home government for the current trouble spots. If your government warns against “all travel” to a specific location in Pakistan, your travel insurance will probably not be valid if you do visit.

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Can Indians Visit Pakistan? Full Pakistan/India VISA Guide

• Post author By Karl Rock
• Post date January 31, 2020
• 76 Comments on Can Indians Visit Pakistan? Full Pakistan/India VISA Guide
• Sticky post

Because I’ve been to Pakistan three times from India and vlogged the entire trip , a common question I get from Indians is, “How can I visit Pakistan?”

Many Indians are interested in visiting what used to be part of India. And likewise, Pakistanis are inquisitive about going to India – when I was there many asked me what India is like .

Can Indians Get Tourist VISAs for Pakistan?

The short answer is no.

Indians are only eligible for business, pilgrim or visitor visas to Pakistan.

The business visa is for business activities – for example, Royal Enfield manufacture products in Pakistan so they would get a business visa to visit the manufacturing plants.

The pilgrim visa allows Indians to visit 15 sites in Pakistan for religious tourism.

The visitor visa is granted if you have close family members or friends in Pakistan and you can only visit a maximum of 5 cities for 3 months.

While the pilgrim visa sounds easy, it’s not guaranteed, and according to reports , Pakistanis have had their requests rejected when they wanted to visit India as pilgrims. Unfortunately, visa policy is usually tit-for-tat so such denials will likely limit Indians wanting to visit Pakistan for pilgrimage too.

Why Can’t Indians or Pakistanis Get Tourist VISAs?

It’s to do with India and Pakistan’s relationship. Their relationship has been plagued by hostility and suspicion since partition. Until that changes, it’ll be difficult to travel to each other’s countries.

Both countries are paranoid about each others’ citizens being spies.

Visa agreements are reciprocal. Pakistanis can only get the same visas available to Indians. For full information, see the India-Pakistan Visa Agreement, 2012 .

Your Only Real Option to Visit Pakistan

All Indians and OCI cardholders can visit a small slice of Pakistan with the Kartarpur Corridor. I’ve written a full FAQ on how to visit Kartarpur .

Update: Many people are commenting asking how they can visit their Pakistani friends. You can try for a visitor visa, if that fails then you also have the option of meeting in the UAE.

Misinformation Online About VISAs

An Official Pakistan Government website says, “Tourist Visa: A non-extendable tourist visa valid for 14 days is issued by Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi” This is out of date, and the information is not valid anymore , we called the Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi and verified that.

Let’s hope that one day this agreement gets updated, and Indians and Pakistanis can enjoy each other’s countries! The more we meet each other and realise we are brothers, the better the relationship will become.

Can Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) get a VISA for Pakistan?

NRIs have a much easier time getting a visa for Pakistan!

They can at least apply with their reason for wanting to visit Pakistan. If the immigration officer is satisfied with the purpose of a visit, they’ll be issued an appropriate visa.

If you want to read more about that process, visit your country’s Pakistan High Commission website. Or check out the High Commission for Pakistan (Wellington) website for information on that process in New Zealand.

Who to Contact for More Information?

For travel to Pakistan from India call the High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (New Delhi) +91 11 2611 0601.

For travel to India from Pakistan call the High Commission of India (Islamabad) +92 51 2833292 or +92 51 2833282.

• Tags India , Pakistan , Tourist VISA , Travel

By Karl Rock

Karl Rock, is a Hindi speaking Kiwi ex-pat who take viewers behind the scenes of incredible India and its neighbours. He has visited every state and union territory in India, and its culturally similar neighbours – Pakistan and Bangladesh, and aims to make others fall in love with India and the subcontinent.

76 replies on “Can Indians Visit Pakistan? Full Pakistan/India VISA Guide”

Hi I Amandeep I want Pakistan visa in Indian passport ca n you tell me how I get the Pakistan visa in Indian passport

I want also😢

You can only get this if you have a friend or family member living here in Pakistan.

Friends meen ? Facebook, instagram or other social media friends is enough??

I also have a good frend in Pakistan . I want meet ….

I have friends over ther

How can apply for pakistan visa to meet my relatives in pak

Please tell how can I get visa for Pakistan if I wanted to visit my friend home

Hi Karl, you have inspired me so much. I love watching your videos. I am turning 50 shortly and going to take traveling seriously and with passion for rest of my life and your inspiring videos are one of the reason. Thank you.

Mai india jana hai

Welcome jii

Welcome brother

Hi, i got married in jodhpur,i m pakistan national i haven’t get india’s permanent citizenship yet, if i wana visit my family in Pakistan what to do?

Hey bro I m also a Pakistani and got married with a Indian girl we want to go India together. How can I get visa. Can you help me plz🙏 her want to see me with her. +923434924596 this is my WhatsApp plz help me if you can

Bhai mujhe bhi Pakistan ma krni ma india sa hu kuch ho sakta ha

I also want to marry in Pakistan how can I apply for visa please brother tell

Please help ne to go pakistan i wanna went to pakistan can u help me?

You can visit by legall manners

I m living in kashmir but i m soo curious to see visit in Pakistan very long time but due to bad relationship between india and Pakistan it’s not possible but my question is how can i go to vist Pakistan

If you have family or friends in Pakistan, you can go.

will it work if we are only social media friends?

I doubt it will work.

Sir can i have your number plz

I want to visit pakistan for meeting Hindu fimilay It’s my hearty choice to visit every place of Pakistan where hindu lives

It’s not possible to visit every where. You can choae 5 sites (cities) to visit in your single trip.

How much does it cost for visa from india to pakistan , since pakistan embasy is in delhi hoe much they charge for 4 days vsits visa and if we go by train or bus please calrify the amounts.

I want to visit Karachi Hyderabad coz I got lot of friends in there can I visit Pakistan being an Indian citizen. Plz can u help me with this My friends wedding in March.. 2021 How do I have to travel.. I already been to Pakistan in 2006 but know I want travel with my family and kids. Can I plz can u help me with this..

Hi. I’m talking to a guy online. He was born in India and he has gotten Canadian PR but still has an indian passport. I live in Pakistan and he wants to visit me in on a visitor visa. Would that be possible? 🙁 Please help!! 🙁

Probably not. He needs Canadian passport

Can any indian go for study in pakistan

I don’t think there’s a study visa. Call the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi and ask.

Me Indian m also want to go Pakistan mt wd my best frmd can any one help me 🙏please

I’m an Indian citizen lives in Dubai and want to visit Pakistan I’ve got friends there, what will be the procedures?

Can I go Pakistani 😊

i am from pakistan but now in dubai.and my friend in dubai but she belong to india.so i want to invite my friend in pakistan for marriage with me so how i apply pakisatni vizt visa for my girl friend.then she come and we get marriage

I was refused a visa to Pakistan in 1970. I am Indian origin and never lived in india and dont have Indian citizenship. I finally took an Afgan Airlines flight from Amritsar to Kabul. The pland had problems and had to land at Rawalpindi. We were there for about 8 hours. The Indians were kept at the transit hall with guards but 2 policemen took me on a tour and got me food. I had a very nice time at the airport One of the first question they asked me was if I was Muslim but i was born and grew up in a Muslim country, Malaysia. They called me brother.

Yr please koi to mujhe Pakistan jana koi rasta bata do, dill da mamla hai 😭

Get invitation from your “dil ka mamla” and also get info from Pakistani embessy or cuonsul the papers you need from your Pakistani dil ka mamla to get Visa.I hope it will help you.

Ayesha bahen kya kr skte h kchh bhi nahi. Meri bhi girlfriend Islamabad se thi aur m India se, mne bhot koshish ki lekin itni zyada political tension ki wjah se nahi ja ska, aur is year April me uski shadi uske cousin se ho gyi. I lost her just because of border and politics 😭😭😭😭😭😭

How to apply for katasraj temple I’m a santani want to visit my historical temple

Namaste Shubham. Happy Diwali. Every year a group of pilgrims go there from India. Please search news articles for this and call whoever is organising the tours.

Same here😢😢

Hi I am Tejasvi virdhi I am from India and I am very much fascinated by Pakistani culture ,their language and the beautiful town Murre on the outskirts of Islamabad ….Though I have never visited Pakistan but still I am very much fascinated…I really want to visit Pakistan and the beautiful Pakistani town Murre but I don’t know if I will ever be able to visit it because of the legal tensions between the two countries

I hope you can visit one day 🙏

Hello kral rock, my best friend is an indian girl we worked together in dubai . She still in dubai she wants to visit to Pakistan, can she visit in Pakistan?

It’s unlikely. Call the Pakistan Embassy in Dubai and ask.

Hello karl, iam working in Saudi Arabia , basically from India, my boyfriend is from Pakistan , we worked together here before, so I want to visit Pakistan, would that be possible?? Plzz help

Hi Tarar. If you have an Indian passport then it’s probably not possible. But contact the Pakistan High Commission (New Delhi) and ask them for a definite answer https://pakhcnewdelhi.org.pk/contact-us/ . Good luck.

Hi Karl, I like all the videos and you too, Can you vlog beautiful places in New Zealand, please…Love from Tamil Nadu, somewhere in a village.

Hi, Karl, I like all the video and including you to buddy. Can you do a vlog in New Zealand’s heavenly places and I like to tour European countries such as London, Canada, Switzerland and New Zealand countryside. Love from Tamilnadu, somewhere in a small village. I love you brother

Hi my wife family is in Pakistan i want to take my wife and my mother in law to Pakistan it’s that possible

Hi Muhammad, aapko VISA mil jana chahiye kyouki aapka pariwar Pakistani mein hai. Contact Pakistan High Commission (Delhi) for more help +91 11 2611 0601.

I’m an Indian and I want to visit the Shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar(R.A) but it is not in the list of 15 pilgrimage places of Pakistan. Is there any other way to visit Shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar(R.A) from India?

Not as far as I know sorry

I’m British Indian (ethnically Sindhi–my dad was born in Karachi pre-Partition). I should be good yeah?

Yup. Apply via your local Pakistan High Commission. If they act funny tell them about your link back to Pakistan via family.

Hi Karl,can Indian marry a Pakistani?

Hi Khansan, yes, it’s possible. But I don’t know how. Try find out how Sania Mirza did it, she married a Pakistani. I’m sure it’d be possible to meet and marry in another country like Dubai.

I just love the beauty of Pakistan and Afghanistan and i am a traveller i want to visit Pakistan’s Islamabad one day ..Can anyone tell me how can i go there ?If i dont get visa then any other option tht can help me visit Pakistan?And also i want to visit the historic cities of pakistan where India and pakistan ‘s ancient history is stored?can anyone help me ?

I want to visit pakistan beacouse my love is there and I want to marry her I really love her she also loves me wants marry me, so how can I go there for marry her please tell me any body help me …😢😢😢

I want to go Pakistan one of my biggest dream I have friends over there if possible then rlp my comment

I want to go to Pakistan coz it’s my fantasy to visit Pakistan once in my life. I have friends over and I have my love too . If possible then please help out in finding ways to visit pak

Is there any “Friends to rent to get visa” Website in Pakistan or in India? If the politicians are not going to do their work, than we, the ppl, have to do it.

I wanna love to visit Pakistan.

Love from Indian Punjab

Hey Manpreet. Pakistan will check and they will likely interview that person too. I know a few people whose sponsors have been interviewed. Don’t risk it.

Yes it could be possible if he has Canada visa or passport he can apply for a tourist visa

hi i just want to share my experience. i’m indian born canadian. in the past it was possible to visit both countries – when i was 18 and travelled to india on own for the first time – my ticket to bombay was with PIA and i had a stopover in karachi! anyways both countries are very petty and any restriction one place the other does the same. pakistani origin people (even if born in the US/Canada with foreign passports) are not allowed in india and even i had to show all my canadian passports for the past 50 years to prove i’m not pakistani and get an indian visa (i’m muslim). after watching all of karl’s pakistan videos i’m planning a trip to pakistan this september and have run into issues getting a visa because i’m indian born! i need to find a sponsor in pakistan who will send me a notarized letter of invitation and a copy of their shinaqti card before the embassy will give me a visa (thankfully i have some friends here who will get their relatives to do this) for indian passport holders it’s impossible to get a pakistani visitor visa unless they are sikh pilgrims or academics attending a conference

I would like to visit Pakistan, I live in Germany and have traveled to many Asian countries to my astonishment is it for international air travel still required that you need 2 Covid vaccinations to enter the country does anyone know more?

Can I get a visa to visit my ancestral village in Pakistan left behind during partition? Do I need to be sponsored by a facilitator organisation for this purpose such as an NGO?

Hey, the only way I know is to get proof of your ancestry and go to a Pakistan High Commission and show them and tell them the reasons you want to visit. If you’re in contact with family there it maybe be easier. There’s a family visa type you should look up on their visa website. Best of luck.

Dear Karl, Good informative article. Basically if you are a citizen (and passport holder) of these two contries then chance of visiting each other is almost nil and with current tensions and Pakistan’s financial situation it has become harder. I am Indian born but naturalized citizen of the USA and I had no problem in getting the visa. I went for the darshan of Ma Hinglaj (Nani Bibi) in 2006 and I was treated like a prince by everyone. You can read about this at http://offroadpakistan.com/2011/06/jay-shahs-pilgramage-to-mata-hinglaj/ The PK High commision in ~2009 told me that if there is a group and want to go to just one place of pilgrimage that is not on the original agreement of pilgrimage visa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protocol_on_Visits_to_Religious_Shrines_1974 then they may consider. But, in general, people (even Pakistanis are concerened about safety in the Northwest Frontier – Balochistan.

Hope and pray that the peace prevails between the two countries soon and both propser. Love Jay Shah

Congrats bro. That must’ve been an incredible experience. Even I haven’t been there because Balochistan requires more permissions these days. Thanks for commenting.

I have pak pilgrimage visa for 15 days from canada .so should i report to police in pak while visit

Call the Embassy that issued you the visa and ask what you have to do.

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Pakistan Visa woes cloud Vaisakhi celebrations for devotees

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Pakistan High Commission grants 2,843 visas to Indian Sikh pilgrims for Baisakhi

Despite ongoing tensions between the two nations, the tradition of indian pilgrims visiting sikh holy shrines in pakistan for baisakhi goes on..

New Delhi: The Pakistan High Commission has issued a total of 2,843 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the annual Baisakhi festivities.

Scheduled to be celebrated on April 13, the festival holds cultural and religious significance for the Sikh community, as it marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year.

Despite ongoing tensions between the two nations, the tradition of Indian pilgrims visiting Sikh holy shrines in Pakistan for Baisakhi goes on. Pilgrims would visit Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.

Emphasising heritage and cultural exchanges, this move transcends political divides between two not-so-friendly south-Asian neighbours.

Every year, a large number of Sikh pilgrims from India visit Pakistan under the framework of the 1974 Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines.

Pakistan’s Charge d’ Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich extended his heartfelt felicitations to all those celebrating this auspicious festival and wished the visiting pilgrims a fulfilling yatra.

Get the news updates on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. For all the latest India updates, download our app Android and iOS .

'eXotic Visit' Spyware Campaign Targets Android Users in India and Pakistan

An active Android malware campaign dubbed eXotic Visit has been primarily targeting users in South Asia, particularly those in India and Pakistan, with malware distributed via dedicated websites and Google Play Store.

Slovak cybersecurity firm said the activity, ongoing since November 2021, is not linked to any known threat actor or group. It's tracking the group behind the operation under the name Virtual Invaders .

"Downloaded apps provide legitimate functionality, but also include code from the open-source Android XploitSPY RAT ," ESET security researcher Lukáš Štefanko said in a technical report released today.

The campaign is said to be highly targeted in nature, with the apps available on Google Play having negligible number of installs ranging from zero to 45. The apps have since been taken down.

The fake-but-functional apps primarily masquerade as messaging services like Alpha Chat, ChitChat, Defcom, Dink Messenger, Signal Lite, TalkU, WeTalk, Wicker Messenger, and Zaangi Chat. Approximately 380 victims are said to have downloaded the apps and created accounts to use them for messaging purposes.

Also employed as part of eXotic Visit are apps such as Sim Info and Telco DB, both of which claim to provide details about SIM owners simply by entering a Pakistan-based phone number. Other applications pass off as a food ordering service in Pakistan as well as a legitimate Indian hospital called Specialist Hospital (now rebranded as Trilife Hospital).

XploitSPY, uploaded to GitHub as early as April 2020 by a user named RaoMK , is associated with an Indian cyber security solutions company called XploitWizer. It has also been described as a fork of another open-source Android trojan called L3MON , which, in turn, draws inspiration from AhMyth .

It comes with a wide gamut of features that allows it to gather sensitive data from infected devices, such as GPS locations, microphone recordings, contacts, SMS messages, call logs, and clipboard content; extract notification details from apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Gmail; download and upload files; view installed apps; and queue commands.

On top of that, the malicious apps are designed to take pictures and enumerate files in several directories related to screenshots, WhatApp, WhatsApp Business, Telegram, and an unofficial WhatsApp mod known as GBWhatsApp.

"Throughout the years, these threat actors have customized their malicious code by adding obfuscation, emulator detection, hiding of [command-and-control] addresses, and use of a native library," Štefanko said.

The main purpose of the native library ("defcome-lib.so") is to keep the C2 server information encoded and hidden from static analysis tools. If an emulator is detected, the app makes use of a fake C2 server to evade detection.

Some of the apps have been propagated through websites specifically created for this purpose ("chitchat.ngrok[.]io") that provide a link to an Android package file ("ChitChat.apk") hosted on GitHub. It's presently not clear how victims are directed to these apps.

"Distribution started on dedicated websites and then even moved to the official Google Play store," Štefanko concluded. "The purpose of the campaign is espionage and probably is targeting victims in Pakistan and India."

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A U.S. government weather forecaster expects an about 60% chance of the La Nina weather pattern characterized by unusually cold temperatures in the Pacific Ocean emerging in the second half of 2024.

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Kishida delights Washington with promise of 250 cherry trees as independence gift

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida drew cheers and applause from U.S. lawmakers on Thursday when he announced a plan to donate 250 cherry trees to the U.S. capital to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. independence.

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Does Pakistan still matter to India?

New delhi's conundrum: balancing security and diplomacy with its troubled neighbor.

Among the many issues that will confront the government that emerges from India’s upcoming general election — running from April 19 through June 1 — one of the most important will be what to do about the country’s frayed relationship with its troubled neighbor, Pakistan. The answer may be simple: Not much.

A weak Pakistani coalition government propped up by the military is unlikely to be able to undertake any bold diplomatic initiative toward India, especially because Khan’s supporters, who consider themselves unfairly deprived of power, are liable to challenge any significant policy change. Under these circumstances, India will probably be inclined to maintain its policy of watchful “benign neglect” toward Pakistan.

As it stands, India and Pakistan maintain diplomatic relations at the charge d’affaires level (a notch below the ambassadorial level), but engage on few issues and speak past each other in the few forums in which they both participate. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation has been left moribund by their mutual hostility, having gone years without a meeting.

Moreover, bilateral trade is minimal and exchanges among ordinary people are limited. Indian citizens struggle to get visas to visit Pakistan, and vice versa. Even in sporting events, the two countries rarely compete with each other outside of international tournaments. In short, India and Pakistan are next-door neighbors who are not on speaking terms — and, in India’s view, that is just fine.

India could not always afford to ignore Pakistan, which was long a source of terrorism directed at India. Most notorious, in November 2008, a terrorist organization from Pakistan, the Lashkar-e-Taiba, carried out a four-day shooting and bombing campaign in Mumbai, killing over 170 people.

The bilateral relationship never recovered. In fact, there have been numerous moments when a thaw seemed likely — for example, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unplanned stopover in Lahore for then-Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s birthday celebration in 2015. But progress has always been disrupted by another Pakistani-directed terror attack.

As long as Pakistan was unable or unwilling to curb Islamist terrorism from within its borders, India concluded, better bilateral relations would remain elusive. So, in 2019, when Pakistan withdrew its high commissioner from Delhi in protest of Indian policy in Kashmir, India did not resist; on the contrary, it preferred things that way.

Today, India has even less reason to engage with Pakistan. With internal security challenges — especially in its western borderlands of Baluchistan (near Iran) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (near Afghanistan) — claiming its attention, Pakistan has little capacity to launch any serious attack on its neighbor. Instead, Pakistan’s military establishment, led by Gen. Asim Munir, has been using those internal security challenges — including those that have arisen directly from groups Pakistan fostered as weapons against India — as a pretext to consolidate its control over the Pakistani state.

It was Munir’s predecessor, Gen. Qamar Jawed Bajwa, who in 2018 engineered the “managed election” of Imran Khan as prime minister. The military was seeking an alternative to the two main political parties — the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League — which had alternated in power since the 1970s. (Both had been repeatedly ousted by the military leaders pulling strings behind the scenes.)

But Bajwa backed the wrong horse. Once in power, Khan — a charismatic former cricket star with a playboy image who had transformed himself into a radical Islamist married to a Muslim religious figure — was unwilling to play by the military’s rules. Articulating a fiercely nationalist and Islamist message, and questioning the military’s authority, Khan increasingly asserted his independence — and developed a strong national following.

By April 2022, the military had had enough and arranged Khan’s dismissal. This was not an entirely unpopular action abroad, as Khan had alienated virtually all of Pakistan’s traditional allies. He had celebrated the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, publicly accused the United States of plotting to overthrow him and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow hours after Putin launched Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Khan had also antagonized China by disparaging its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project. And, by aligning Pakistan with Turkey and Malaysia on some issues, he was seen as undermining Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the Islamic world.

In removing Khan, the military seemed to be attempting to restore the old Pakistan: a military-controlled state with a democratic facade that maintains close relations with both the U.S. (on which it depends for military assistance) and China (which provides mostly civilian aid), while seeking to profit from their rivalry. The military also seeks to revive Pakistan’s old role in the Islamic world as a moderate Saudi tributary and restore its carefully cultivated image as the last defense against an extreme Islamist takeover.

But the world has changed since Pakistan last played such games. The U.S. is much less willing to turn a blind eye to Pakistani duplicity than it used to be. Its troops are no longer in Afghanistan, after all, and Pakistan — which is increasingly a Chinese vassal — is not nearly as useful a partner as India in America’s rivalry against China. As for Saudi Arabia, it has embarked upon a dizzying modernization program that is altering its identity as a bastion of Islamic conservatism.

So, India can afford to look beyond Pakistan. And with an economy 10 times larger than its neighbor’s, as well as broad global ambitions, it is unlikely to rethink this policy any time soon.

Shashi Tharoor, a former U.N. under-secretary-general and former Indian minister of state for external affairs and minister of state for human resource development, is an MP for the Indian National Congress. He is the author, most recently, of "Ambedkar: A Life" (Aleph Book Company, 2022). © Project Syndicate, 2024

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