Pakistan Mandates Valid NICOP or Visas for Dual Nationals

The Government of Pakistan has implemented stricter travel guidelines requiring dual-national citizens entering the country on foreign passports to possess either a valid Pakistani visa or a valid National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). The new policy bars entry to individuals using expired, cancelled, or revoked NICOPs, ending a previous practice where such passengers were occasionally permitted to travel.

To enforce these rules, the Federal Investigation Agency instructed airlines to deny boarding to passengers who do not meet the requirements and directed immigration officials to deny entry to those without proper documentation. The Ministry of Interior of Pakistan notified immigration authorities at all national airports to ensure compliance. Travelers who fail to meet these standards will be repatriated on the next available flight.

Government officials clarified that these directives apply to all arrivals globally, including those from the United States, the United Kingdom, and European states. A spokesperson dismissed rumors that British Pakistanis were being specifically targeted, noting that the measures are intended to strengthen general immigration procedures. The government confirmed that the restrictions do not apply to passengers holding a valid NICOP, who may continue to travel on foreign passports under existing rules.