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Pakistan suspends fast-track visa access for Zimbabwe and 33 countries
1 hr ago |
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Travelling to Pakistan is set to become more complicated for citizens of 34 African countries following the suspension of the country's fast-track Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) programme.
Until the end of last year, nationals from the affected African states enjoyed zero-fee, fast-track access to Pakistan, allowing them to obtain a 90-day multiple-entry visa prior to travel. Under the new arrangement, travellers will now be required to apply through the standard paid e-Visa system.
The change affects African countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Uganda and Malawi, among others. In total, the suspended programme applies to 34 African countries.
The move is part of a broader policy shift by Pakistani authorities. In addition to African states, the VPA facility has also been withdrawn for 45 countries in Europe, 36 in Asia, 14 in the Americas and two in Oceania, significantly narrowing the list of countries eligible for fast-track entry.
Under the standard e-Visa process, applicants are now required to submit additional documentation, including bank statements, invitation letters and supporting travel details, while also paying visa fees that vary by nationality or region. Processing times are expected to be longer than under the previous fast-track system.
The suspension of the VPA programme marks a notable departure from Pakistan's recent efforts to liberalise its visa regime, particularly towards African countries, which had benefited from simplified access aimed at boosting tourism, trade and diplomatic engagement.
While Pakistani authorities have not publicly detailed the reasons behind the decision, the move is expected to affect business travellers, tourists and diaspora communities who had relied on the fast-track system for ease of travel.
For now, affected travellers are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for visa processing under the revised requirements.
Until the end of last year, nationals from the affected African states enjoyed zero-fee, fast-track access to Pakistan, allowing them to obtain a 90-day multiple-entry visa prior to travel. Under the new arrangement, travellers will now be required to apply through the standard paid e-Visa system.
The change affects African countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Rwanda, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Uganda and Malawi, among others. In total, the suspended programme applies to 34 African countries.
The move is part of a broader policy shift by Pakistani authorities. In addition to African states, the VPA facility has also been withdrawn for 45 countries in Europe, 36 in Asia, 14 in the Americas and two in Oceania, significantly narrowing the list of countries eligible for fast-track entry.
Under the standard e-Visa process, applicants are now required to submit additional documentation, including bank statements, invitation letters and supporting travel details, while also paying visa fees that vary by nationality or region. Processing times are expected to be longer than under the previous fast-track system.
The suspension of the VPA programme marks a notable departure from Pakistan's recent efforts to liberalise its visa regime, particularly towards African countries, which had benefited from simplified access aimed at boosting tourism, trade and diplomatic engagement.
While Pakistani authorities have not publicly detailed the reasons behind the decision, the move is expected to affect business travellers, tourists and diaspora communities who had relied on the fast-track system for ease of travel.
For now, affected travellers are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for visa processing under the revised requirements.
Source - online
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