ISLAMABAD, Jan 14: The Indian High Commission said on Monday that from Tuesday onwards Pakistani citizens aged 65 years and above would be issued visas on arrival at the Wagah border crossing.

The new arrangement is part of the liberalised visa regime signed by the two countries last year during then Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna’s visit to Pakistan.

The visa on arrival facility would only be available at Wagah and not at any other entry points. The senior citizens would be issued a 45-day, single-entry visa valid for up to five places. The visitors will be exempted from mandatory police reporting.

The visa on arrival would not be available for touring Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Kerala and other prohibited areas. Moreover, the facility can only be availed twice a year. Those availing this facility would have to exit from Wagah border on their return.

“With the operationalisation of the new Bilateral India-Pakistan Visa Agreement 2012, the provision of visa on arrival at Wagah-Attari immigration checkpost for Pakistani passport holders more than 65 years of age comes into effect from January 15,” said a statement issued by the Indian High Commission.

Visas on arrival will be issued to senior citizens daily between 10am and 4pm.

The visa-on-arrival facility can only be availed for visit to India to meet friends or relatives, and not for business, medical, conference, employment, pilgrimage or any other purpose.

Documentary requirement for availing the facility includes a copy of the national identity card, a utility bill as proof of residence, passport, two passport-size photographs and confirmation of booking if staying in a hotel and the name and address of the person being visited in India.

The visa fee is Rs100 (Indian) or two dollars.