Updated Policy on Landing Permits and Visas
24/01/06
Landing Permit and Visa Extensions
Many relief workers arriving in Pakistan were issued 90 day landing permits at the airport in lieu of a visa obtained prior to departure. As of January 10th, 2006, this permit is no longer issued to relief workers upon arrival.
Those permits plus any visas can be extended by applying to the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports, Peshawar Mall area, G8/1, Islamabad.
The following documents are required:
1. Passport.
2. Application form -->
3. 1 x copy of entry stamp/visa page of passport.
4. 1 x copy of identification page of passport.
5. Letter from applicant's organization requesting extension.
6. If the applicant is not making the request in person, a letter from him/her authorizing someone to do it on their behalf is also required.
Landing permits are single entry only and can not be used for re-entry into Pakistan. Should you leave Pakistan you must obtain a visa from an embassy overseas prior to re-entry. In exceptional circumstances the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports may issue a single re-entry landing permit extension upon application.
Visa Applications
Visitors from most nations entering Pakistan require a valid visa. These must be obtained from a Pakistan Embassy overseas prior to departure. Issuance times can vary from only a few days to many weeks in some countries so it is essential to ensure that there is sufficient time to obtain a visa prior to departure.
There does not appear to be any official policy on whether these are to be granted free of charge for humanitarian relief workers but UNJLC has written to the authorities in Pakistan requesting a policy decision. This information will be made available as soon as an official response has been obtained.
On the application it is important to note occupation as "humanitarian relief worker" and that the purpose is to undertake relief work. Consider whether a single or multiple entry visa is needed before undergoing the application process.
Activities : Customs
Type of document : Update
Publication date 2005-Dec-29