Pakistan has introduced new travel guidelines for dual nationals, making it compulsory for overseas Pakistanis travelling on foreign passports to carry either a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) or a valid Pakistani visa before entering the country.
According to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) sources, immigration authorities have started enforcing the new directives at all international airports. The rules apply to passengers arriving from every country, including the United Kingdom, which hosts one of the largest Pakistani diaspora communities.
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Under the revised policy, dual nationals can no longer enter Pakistan using an expired, cancelled or revoked NICOP. Officials say the move ends the previous practice under which some passengers could still travel despite carrying expired identity documents.
The Ministry of Interior has formally communicated the updated instructions to immigration authorities nationwide, and airport officials have begun implementing them immediately.
New policy tightens document checks for overseas Pakistanis
Under the new guidelines, every Pakistani dual national travelling on a foreign passport must carry one of the following:
- A valid NICOP, or
- A valid Pakistani visa.
FIA sources said immigration officials will deny entry to travellers who arrive without either document.
The requirement applies regardless of the country of departure, including the UK, the United States, Canada, the Gulf states and other countries with large overseas Pakistani populations.
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NICOP serves as proof of Pakistani citizenship for eligible overseas Pakistanis and allows visa free entry into Pakistan when it remains valid. NADRA issues the document to Pakistani citizens living abroad, including recognised dual nationals.
Previously, FIA travel guidance allowed some travellers with expired NICOPs to seek temporary facilitation in certain circumstances, including renewal slips or short landing permits. The latest directives indicate immigration authorities will now enforce stricter document verification for dual nationals arriving on foreign passports.
Travellers advised to renew documents before departure
The latest directive means overseas Pakistanis should verify the validity of their NICOP well before booking travel.
Travellers whose NICOP has expired, been cancelled or revoked should renew it through NADRA or obtain a Pakistani visa before departure. Officials warn that failing to do so could result in denied entry upon arrival.
The move forms part of broader efforts to strengthen immigration controls, improve identity verification and ensure uniform enforcement of entry requirements across Pakistan’s airports.
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Authorities have advised airlines and immigration staff to check passengers’ travel documents before boarding and again upon arrival to avoid delays or complications.
Pakistan hosts one of the world’s largest overseas communities, with millions of citizens living in the Gulf, Europe, North America and Australia. Many hold dual nationality and routinely travel using foreign passports together with Pakistani identity documents.
Officials say the updated policy aims to remove ambiguity surrounding entry requirements and ensure that all dual nationals meet the same immigration standards before entering Pakistan.
The new travel guidelines are now effective at all international airports and will apply to every eligible traveller entering the country on a foreign passport.
