Seeking to reposition itself as an adventure-tourism and investment hotspot, Pakistan announced on 22 February 2026 that its e-visa portal now covers 192 nationalities and that visa-on-arrival privileges have been extended to 120 countries. Polish citizens—previously subject to in-person consular vetting—may now apply entirely online and receive an approval letter in as little as 48 hours. 1. Key features • Single-entry e-visas start at USD 40 for up to 90 days; multiple-entry options are due in Q3 2026. • Applicants upload a passport scan, photo, itinerary and proof of funds; biometrics are captured on arrival at Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad airports. 2. Business dimension • Polish engineering firms active in CPEC energy projects will benefit from simplified crew rotations and reduced invitation-letter bureaucracy. • The Board of Investment also rolled out a five-year “Tourism Investor” visa that allows 100 % foreign ownership in eco-resort developments in the northern Hunza and Skardu valleys. 3. Risk & compliance notes • The Polish MFA still advises against non-essential travel to border regions with Afghanistan; travel-risk insurers may require written itineraries and satellite-phone provision. • Employers must register staff with Pakistan’s Security Clearance System five days before arrival when projects involve strategic infrastructure. 4. Regional trend South-Asia rivals such as Sri Lanka and Nepal are expected to match Pakistan’s policy to recapture post-pandemic visitor flows. For global mobility teams the announcement underscores a broader pivot toward digital visa platforms in emerging markets.
Source: Gazeta.pl – Podróże
