Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has introduced new travel guidelines for dual-national Pakistani citizens. The updated policy sets stricter entry requirements for those travelling to Pakistan on foreign passports. Officials say the new rules are now in effect at airports across the country.
According to the FIA, Pakistani citizens will no longer be allowed to enter the country using an expired or cancelled National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). The revised policy applies to travellers arriving from all countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Under the new guidelines, every dual-national Pakistani travelling on a foreign passport must carry either a valid NICOP or a valid Pakistani visa. Passengers who do not meet these requirements may not be allowed to travel to Pakistan.
The FIA has informed all airlines about the updated policy. Airlines have been instructed not to board passengers who fail to carry the required documents before departure. The move aims to ensure compliance before travellers arrive in Pakistan.
Officials said travellers carrying an expired or cancelled NICOP will not be permitted to enter the country. Such passengers will be denied entry upon arrival and returned on the next available flight.
Previously, some airlines allowed passengers with expired NICOPs to travel to Pakistan. The FIA said this practice will no longer be accepted under the revised regulations.
The Ministry of Interior has also notified immigration authorities about the new travel policy. Immigration officials at all airports have been directed to enforce the updated requirements without exception.
The new rules are expected to affect thousands of Pakistanis living abroad. Many overseas Pakistanis hold citizenship in another country while also retaining their Pakistani nationality. The FIA has advised travellers to verify their documents before booking flights.
Officials stressed that a valid NICOP remains an important travel document for overseas Pakistanis. Those who prefer travelling on a foreign passport must ensure they also possess either a valid Pakistani visa or an active NICOP before departure.
The updated policy has been introduced to improve immigration procedures and reduce documentation issues at entry points. Authorities believe the changes will help maintain a smoother verification process for international arrivals.
Travellers are encouraged to renew expired NICOPs well before their planned journeys. They should also confirm that all travel documents remain valid throughout their trip.
The revised policy applies equally to every dual-national Pakistani, regardless of the country of departure. Whether arriving from North America, Europe, the Middle East, or any other region, passengers must meet the same documentation requirements.
Airlines have also been reminded of their responsibility to verify passenger documents before boarding. Failure to follow the updated instructions could result in operational issues for both airlines and travellers.
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The FIA has urged overseas Pakistanis to stay informed about immigration regulations and prepare the required documents in advance. Officials say compliance with the new dual-national travel rules will help avoid delays, denied boarding, or refusal of entry upon arrival in Pakistan.
