Can a Pakistani National Get a Tourist Visa to India?

Question

Hello. I just wanted to know if a Pakistani national can get a tourist visa to India? What may be the requirements of doing so.

A response will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi

Unfortunately due to the present state of affairs between our countries, getting a visa is very difficult for both Indians/Pakistanis. Moreover, the process is very bureaucratic and time-consuming and consul officers in both our countries are extremely corrupt people and if you're an ordinary person they will pi-ss you off with their confusing details and they will do everything they can to prevent you from coming. To an Indian consul officer in Islamabad, every Pakistani is a potential terrorist and they will cross-check you through that frame. Truth to be said, it is easier for a Pakistani to get visa to UK/US than India.

Singers/artistes (e.g. Atif Aslam, Meera, etc.), cricket players and other notable people of Pakistan get "special consideration" - for them it is a quick visa and no hassles. Then Musharraf and some Indian Prime Minister will meet in a 5-star hotel and do all the "bhai-chaara" and other hypocrisy when in reality the state of affairs is very sad.

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Anyways, not all hope is lost if you can make the following arrangements before sitting for a visa interview before your Indian consular in Islamabad:

1. Prior preparation of documents - Make sure you have all necessary documents at hand such as your residence proof in Pakistan (electricity bills, ration card etc.), your passport (of course), your educational certificates (if you have e.g.a Masters degree it helps convey a good image) and a character and police certificate from your local area (If it is in Urdu, get them translated into English/Hindi).

You never know which document he wants to see. If you don't have that document with you at that time, he may ask you to come again and delay you - get this point?

2. Have Proof of funds (Your continuous bank account statements for say 24 months), your taxation records (if you file income tax in Pakistan - if business, depends what taxes you have there) - also carry RETURN AIR TICKETS (more on that later) and confirmed hotel booking (if you stay with a relative in India - his/her address proof - and if possible, proof of relation with that relative e.g. if your aunt lives in India, you need to prove that she is your father's sister - check with others but I guess if you have a clean record, you can be safer).

3. At the interview be polite and firm, and answer all questions straight. Look him in the eye don't look nervous - when you have worked so hard already, you can expect some relaxation from embassy people! They are now here to help you since you're using legal means.

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There are daily return lights between Bombay-Karachi and Delhi-Karachi (I think it is PIA) - also, there is a flight from Delhi-Lahore (not sure though). Plane travel is preferable than the Wagah bus because it is very difficult for ordinary people to get a reservation in that bus which is very hi-fi and a bull-**** concept. Tickets are affordable. Before leaving Pakistan, make sure you get all your precautions done - e.g. Hepatitis B vaccination, HIV certificate (if necessary) - don't give them any opportunity to harass you at Indian airport because believe me, they WILL - after all you are a Pakistani!

Within 24 hours of arrival in India, register yourself at a local Police station. The airport staff will guide you. Whichever city in India you move to, you will have to continuously register at local police stations. This is a harassment unfortunately, reserved for only Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals. All other foreigners have to register in Indian police stations only once.

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Although we are in the same neighbourghood, Nepal and Bhutan nationals can travel in India for free (no passport, no visa). They can also earn an economic livelihood without doing any registeration.

I'm not saying it's good or bad but if you really want to travel to India without harassment in future, try to emigrate to US/UK and get local citizenship there. Then, enjoy!

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And yes, I hope I gave you information to enjoy your stay in India.

The only good thing is the people of India are nice and welcoming and being Pakistani, many will be curious to know about you. You will win many friends that will give you comfort from months of bureaucratic harassment.

Enjoy your stay in India and wish you good luck for the visa.

Answer 2

In short, no

Answer 3

There is so much paranoi against pakistani and they will harass you so much best thing dont go

Answer 4

yes, ofcourse, as long you can prove that your intention is just visit friends or relatives or ...

to be frank be honest and provide as many documents they want , they will give you visa

Answer 5

yes you need a VISA.

Answer 6

Stay where you are and dont come here

Answer 7

Yes. For more details, please check the following link:

http://www.learn4good.com/travel/india_visa.htm

Answer 8

Don't bother!