Chinese visitors to Gilgit-Baltistan may get visa on arrival

The Pakistani government is contemplating a special visa-on-arrival scheme for Chinese tourists visiting Gilgit-Baltistan via the Khunjerab Pass. This proposal, discussed during a high-level meeting at the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Secretariat, aims to boost cross-border tourism and economic activity in the region.

Initially, the pilot programme will focus on Hunza and Nagar districts. The idea was proposed by officials from the Gilgit-Baltistan home and tourism departments, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, and various ministries, including inter-provincial coordination, interior, and foreign affairs. The foreign affairs ministry has expressed no objection in principle, subject to security clearance, while the interior ministry noted that visa-on-arrival access had been suspended for all countries due to security concerns.

A special arrangement for Chinese tourists could potentially generate billions of dollars in economic activity, according to Raja Nazimul Amin, adviser to the president on international trade and tourism investment at FPCCI. Once approved, the plan would move to a one-window NOC portal to streamline clearance at Sost, making the process more efficient.