Pakistan issues new travel rules for dual nationals with strict NICOP checks
Airlines instructed to deny boarding to non-compliant passengers
DUBAI/ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has introduced new travel guidelines for dual nationals, bringing stricter checks for overseas Pakistanis arriving on foreign passports.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) says the revised measures have been communicated to airlines and immigration authorities, with the rules now in force at all international airports.
Under the updated guidance, Pakistani citizens holding dual nationality will no longer be allowed to travel to Pakistan using an expired or cancelled National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). The restrictions apply to passengers travelling from all countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, according to FIA officials.
New rules
The FIA said any dual national travelling on a foreign passport must also carry either a valid Pakistani visa or a valid NICOP. Airlines have been formally instructed not to board passengers who fail to meet these requirements.
Officials said carriers have been directed to strictly verify travel documents before departure, with the aim of preventing passengers from arriving in Pakistan without the required documentation.
The Ministry of Interior has also informed immigration authorities about the revised procedures, which have now been implemented at airports across the country.
Boarding checks
According to FIA officials, travellers who arrive with an expired or cancelled NICOP will be refused entry under the new enforcement measures and may be returned on the next available flight.
Previously, airlines often transported passengers holding expired or cancelled NICOPs to Pakistan, where immigration officials dealt with the cases upon arrival. Under the revised guidance, airlines are expected to prevent such passengers from boarding in the first place.
The stricter enforcement means overseas Pakistanis should ensure their travel documents are valid before leaving for Pakistan, particularly if they intend to use a foreign passport for travel.
NICOP requirement
A NICOP is issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to Pakistani citizens living abroad, including those with recognised dual nationality. The document serves as proof of Pakistani citizenship and allows visa-free entry into Pakistan for eligible holders.
NADRA advises overseas Pakistanis to renew their NICOP before it expires, as an invalid identity document can affect access to government services and international travel. The authority offers online renewal and application services through its digital platforms and registration centres.
Before you fly
The latest guidance means dual nationals planning a trip to Pakistan should check that they have:
- A valid foreign passport.
- A valid NICOP, if travelling as a Pakistani citizen without a visa.
- Or a valid Pakistani visa if travelling on a foreign passport without a valid NICOP.
- Renewed any expired NICOP before travelling to avoid boarding issues.
Officials warned that passengers found travelling with an expired or cancelled NICOP will face action under the new procedures, making advance document verification essential for anyone planning to travel to Pakistan.