Pakistan bars travel on expired Nicop without valid visa

LONDON: Pakistan has clarified that overseas Pakistanis travelling on foreign passports can still enter the country without a visa if they hold a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop), but those with expired, invalid or cancelled Nicops must secure a Pakistani visa before travel.

A government spokesperson said claims suggesting all British passport holders would be stopped from entering Pakistan on the basis of Nicop were incorrect. The spokesperson said the revised instructions apply to travellers arriving from all countries, including Britain, the United States and European states, if they do not possess a valid Nicop.

Under the updated rules, passengers travelling on a foreign passport with an expired or otherwise invalid Nicop will not be allowed to board for Pakistan unless they have a valid Pakistani visa or Pakistani passport. Airlines have been instructed not to permit boarding in such cases, and the spokesperson said no exception would be made for passengers who do not meet the entry requirements.

The spokesperson said confusion had spread because of fake news around the directive and stressed that the restriction does not apply to travellers carrying a valid Nicop, who may continue to travel to Pakistan on their foreign passports under existing rules. Airline station managers have also been directed to brief relevant staff and ensure passengers are properly informed before boarding.