Pakistan announces 5-year business, tourism visas for Americans
ISLAMABAD (92 News) – An important development has been made in Pak-US relation at the diplomatic level as Pakistan announced five years business and tourism visas for American citizens.
According to the decision made between both the countries, the US will also reciprocate by issuing five years visa to the Pakistani nationals. The decision will benefit the investors and tourists from both the countries.
The new visa policy announced by Imran Khan for 190 countries to promote tourism and investments in the country.
Multiple visas to nationals increased from 48 to 96 countries
Earlier, the Interior Ministry revealed that the multiple visas to nationals increased from 48 to 96 countries. Highlighting major features of the new visa policy, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said multiple visas to nationals of 96 countries will be granted within 24 hours of applying.
Citizens of 175 countries can apply for online visa
Shehryar Afridi said citizens of 175 countries can apply for online visa while people from fifty countries will be granted visa on arrival. He also said initially citizens of five countries including UK, Turkey, Malaysia, UAE and China will be granted online visas in the pilot project.
He said foreign nationals of Indian origin will also be allowed to avail the facility of visa on arrival for religious tourism.
Average visa fee reduced from 22 to 65 per cent
The state minister said average visa fee has been reduced from 22 to 65 per cent. He said nationals of UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain among others will be given multiple visas.
He said the mindset regarding the allowing of foreigners into the country needs to be changed in order to portray a positive image of Pakistan to the world.
Online visa facility is major step towards Naya Pakistan: FM
On the occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs (FM) Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the launching of online visa facility is a major step towards Naya Pakistan. He said the decision made under the chairmanship of Prime Minister is a reflection that Pakistan is opening its doors to the world.
