The government has ended no-objection certificate (NOC) requirement for foreigners who want to visit different parts of Pakistan. The government has removed the condition of the NOC for foreign tourists and allowed them to move freely in the country. Earlier, it was mandatory for foreign tourists to obtain NOC from the Interior Ministry before visiting any part of the country.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, as per cabinet's decision dated January 31, 2019, free movement of foreigners will be allowed in open cantonments except prohibited and restricted areas with visible signboards. The border crossings will be open and non-restricted."
It said that Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Chitral will be non-restricted/ non-prohibited except Pak-China border (10 miles), Pak-Afghan border (Wakhan Corridor) (10 miles), AJK along Line of Control (5 miles), GB along LoC (5 miles) and Siachen along Line of Actual Contact (10 miles).
The development is a part of the country's 'Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS)' to encourage tourism and investment in the country. Under the POVS, the e-visa facility will be provided to 175 countries and visa-on-arrival to the 50 countries.
According to the POVS, a comprehensive list of 12 visa categories and policies has been introduced and now the applicants including businessmen, tourists and students can apply online through the website of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra).
As per the new visa policy, visa-on-arrival facility has been introduced for tourists of the 50 countries and business visa-on-arrival was introduced for the 96 countries. "Travellers may apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at least 48 hours prior to travelling, it said.
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