Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has introduced new travel guidelines preventing dual nationals with expired or cancelled National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) from entering the country.
According to media reports, the updated policy applies to passengers arriving from all countries and is now being enforced at airports nationwide.
Valid NICOP or Pakistani visa now required
Under the revised rules, dual nationals travelling on a foreign passport must carry either
- A valid NICOP, or
- A valid Pakistani visa.
Travellers who fail to meet either requirement will not be permitted to travel to Pakistan.
Airlines instructed to enforce new rules
The Ministry of Interior has informed all airlines of the updated policy and directed them not to allow passengers with expired or cancelled NICOPs to board flights bound for Pakistan.
Immigration authorities, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), have also been notified, and the new guidelines are already in effect at airports across the country.
Passengers may be returned
According to FIA officials, passengers who arrive in Pakistan with an expired or cancelled NICOP will be returned on the next available flight.
Officials noted that some airlines had previously allowed travellers with expired or cancelled NICOPs to board. However, authorities have now ordered strict enforcement of the revised travel requirements to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
Advice for overseas Pakistanis
Overseas Pakistanis and dual nationals planning to visit Pakistan are advised to verify that their NICOP is valid before booking travel.
Those whose NICOP has expired or been cancelled should renew the document or obtain a valid Pakistani visa before departure to avoid being denied boarding or entry upon arrival.
