Pakistan visa on arrival to spark a tourism revival

In January 2019 Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan confirmed the long muted visa on arrival scheme for foreign travelers. The move is a bid to revive a sluggish tourism sector that has been in decline for over 20 years.

Who Benefits?

In short Germany and 48 other countries have been approved for visa on arrival. 175 countries in total can now avail of an electronic visa. This should go a long way to boosting tourist numbers for a country with plenty to show off.

Just what has it got? Rocky Road Travel conducted our first tour of Pakistan in October 2018. We loved it so much that we decided to make it a permanent destination. We focused on the northern part. From Lahore all the way to the Chinese border along the famed Karakoram Highway.

From Chaotic to Serene

The country is massively diverse. Lahore offers the chaos that you come to love and expect from a city in the sub-continent. It’s a city of unparalleled vibrancy, a complete assault on the senses and the perfect place to start your Pakistani adventure.

From here it’s a routine drive to the planned capital of Islamabad before setting out on the Karakoram Highway.

The road itself is in great condition. Completed with Chinese help, it is the highest paved highway in the world reaching an elevation of 4,700 meters. The scenery along the whole stretch is breath taking around every corner.

Is it safe?

This part of the country is very safe. Generally the security situation has greatly improved leading to the tripling of tourist numbers since 2013. Areas along the Afghan border are still considered ill-advised to visit, however the eastern part and northern part along the Karakoram Highway is perfectly safe and extremely welcoming.

There you have it. A new and easy Pakistan visa on arrival policy. The country is perfectly safe, stunningly beautiful and very affordable. Pakistan is the ultimate 2019 destination. Join us in September for world’s best road trip along the Karakoram Highway.