Visa-on-arrival facility

E-Paper | June 12, 2026

An Indian immigration employee decorates the 'visa on arrival' counter and a small office at the newly constructed Integrated Check Post (ICP) at the India-Pakistan border in Wagah. — File Photo by AFP

NEW DELHI: India has finally started ‘visa-on-arrival’ facility for Pakistani senior citizens on reciprocal basis.

Senior Pakistanis of more than 65 years of age will now get ‘visa-on-arrival’ at Attari/ Wagah checkpost for 45 days. It will be a single entry visa.

The facility was scheduled to be started from Jan 15. But, it was put on hold in the wake of mounting tension along the Line of Control after the killing of two Indian soldiers.

By arrangement with Times of India

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Naveed

Apr 06, 2013 03:19am

A Good Start!

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BIMAL CHANDRA JHA

Apr 06, 2013 05:01am

Sir, This is very interesting news to us that senior Pakistanis of 65 years of age or more will get visa on arrival. Perhaps this news is meant for those Pakistanis who are not Pakistani nationals or hold dual citizenship, otherwise, a citizen of any country of the world does not need visa to enter into his or her country. My fellow readers may correct us if we are wrong. Yours faithfully; BIMAL CHANDRA JHA Samanpura Road, Patna, India

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Husain Jan

Apr 06, 2013 05:11am

What about the spouse ? It is evident that seniors can not travel alone. If husband is over 65 but his wife is under 65 does it mean that only the man will get this facility ? In that case it would not be possible for only one to avail this facility. The spouses should also be allowed to accompany the senior citizens regardless of the age of the accompanying spouse. Hope ministries of both countries would look into this matter and do the needful so that this facility is availed by all intending visitors.

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chandio

Apr 06, 2013 06:11am

Better late than never. and arrange a warm welcome to the senior citizens.Both sides should be nice to the visitors and in future CBM should not be suspended for minor and trivial reasons.Job weldone.

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vijay singh ivory coast

Apr 06, 2013 07:14am

GOOD FOR BOTH INDIA AND PAKISTAN

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AAA

Apr 06, 2013 07:39am

Yes I agree with Vijay. I Pray more people of Pakista & India should thing like Vijay.

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Koi_Bhi

Apr 06, 2013 07:55am

not its good for just Pakistan

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Kaiser Waziri

Apr 06, 2013 08:17am

Why only for baba jees!

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Rashid Sultan

Apr 06, 2013 09:00am

Is it designed to work in the other direction also?

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Mohammad afzal

Apr 06, 2013 09:38am

Good gesture. Will this facility be available to sc for visiting relatives only? Can Pakistani senior citizens avail this facitity to visit Amritsar for a week or so?

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shan

Apr 06, 2013 09:51am

yes it is dsigned for both direction; that is for both indian an pakistani senior citizens. hope all goes well now!

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sraz45

Apr 06, 2013 10:35am

That's the way to go! When people meet they build relationships, if we can do that at a sustained level, which has always been a problem in relationship with India, we can cut through suspicion which plagues India Pakistan relations. That means wasteful spending on armament can be reduced, and that money spent for the development and infrastructure for the teeming millions.

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S. A. M.

Apr 06, 2013 11:17am

I know its very heartening (touch wood) but please speak in low tones others can hear it too!

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Apr 06, 2013 11:23am

Bimal, Ever country has visa restrictions and there are only few that acknowledge dual citizenship. India does not. If an indian lives in outside india and holds a valid indian passport, I don't see any problem with them travelling back home. But, those who choose to become British, American, European or Pakistani after marriage, migration etc are not be classed as Indian Citizens as per indian citizenship law and they will require a visa on their foreign passport. That is my understanding. source: many Indian friends.

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raja hindustani

Apr 06, 2013 11:49am

Good move.....!!! Spreading love is always better than spreading hatred.

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abbastoronto

Apr 06, 2013 02:17pm

LOL The devil is in the details. I bet when at the border very few will be let in. Some objections: 1. You were born in India 2. You have worked for the Pakistani State 3. You are wearing green so must be an islamist 4. You have a beard so you must be a terrorist 5. You have read a Pak newspaper in the past 6. You have visited India before 7. You have never visited India before 8. You are carrying too much money (must be sponsoring terrorism) or not enough. If all fails, you will be asked a skill testing question, like which is better, Hinduism or Islam, Pakistan or India, or Jinnah or Gandhi?

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Waseem

Apr 06, 2013 05:05pm

May this first step be an opening of opportunities like this.

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murtazarzai

Apr 07, 2013 01:46pm

i dont think so

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VRM

Apr 07, 2013 06:03pm

Do you always see the glass half empty?

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