A significant shift in travel policy has recently been introduced for British citizens of Pakistani origin, causing considerable concern and confusion for travelers. According to reports emerging from airline stations, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), individuals holding British passports who previously utilized the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) for entry into Pakistan will no longer be permitted to do so.
Effective immediately, the policy mandates that British-Pakistani travelers must either secure a visa on their British passport or obtain a Pakistani passport to enter the country. The NICOP, which historically served as a proof of Pakistani heritage and allowed for visa-free entry and residency, is now insufficient for boarding flights to Pakistan for those who hold dual citizenship.
This sudden announcement has created a logistical nightmare for thousands of expatriates who had upcoming travel plans, including those attending urgent family matters, weddings, or funerals. The administrative burden of applying for a visa, which can take several weeks, or the process of obtaining a formal Pakistani passport presents a substantial barrier for those needing to travel on short notice.
Observers suggest that this move may be linked to broader, sensitive security or diplomatic developments, though the immediate impact is a disruption of the connectivity between the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom and their home country. Affected travelers are advised to contact their airlines and local embassies to determine the most efficient pathway to normalize their travel status, as the transition period has left many in a state of uncertainty regarding their ability to visit Pakistan.
