Pakistan waives off visa fee for Sikh pilgrims

LAHORE: The government of Pakistan has announced a special offer for Sikh pilgrims planning to visit Pakistan, they will no longer need to pay a visa fee.

This exciting update was shared by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi during a meeting with 44 Sikh pilgrims from the United States. Naqvi warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the visa-on-arrival option is available to Sikh pilgrims holding US passports, ensuring a hassle-free experience regardless of how often they visit.

With this new policy, Sikh pilgrims can obtain their visas within 30 minutes of arrival at the airport. Naqvi encouraged them to explore Pakistan’s significant sites, such as Hassan Abdal, Nankana Sahib, and Kartarpur.

Sikh community members from the US, Canada, and the UK can apply online and receive their visas within 30 minutes.

Moreover, he assured prompt resolution of any existing challenges. “If you have a passport, just close your eyes and come,” the Interior Minister added.

The government is also prepared to accommodate visitors for major cricket events, including the Champions Trophy and Pakistan-India matches, with a special quota reserved for Sikh pilgrims and Indian visitors.

Pakistan aims to host one million Sikh pilgrims annually and has extended visa-free entry to citizens from 124 countries. The country is home to several revered Sikh pilgrimage sites, including the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, which allows visa-free access to Indian Sikh pilgrims.