Chinese Tourists Visa on Arrival: Major Tourism Boost Proposed for GB | Shyok Times

Chinese Tourists Visa on Arrival Proposed for Gilgit-Baltistan

Chinese tourists visa on arrival arrangements are being considered for visitors entering Gilgit-Baltistan through the Khunjerab Pass, with a proposed pilot phase covering Hunza and Nagar.

The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting at the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Secretariat in Islamabad on September 15. The meeting focused on restoring visa-on-arrival facilities at Sost for Chinese tourists and included representatives from the Gilgit-Baltistan government, federal ministries, tourism bodies and private-sector tourism organisations.

Hunza and Nagar Proposed for Initial Phase

Under the proposal, Chinese tourists travelling into Pakistan through the Khunjerab Pass could initially be permitted to travel to Hunza and Nagar under a trial arrangement.

According to the meeting proceedings reported by Dawn, the Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed no objection in principle, subject to security clearance. The Interior Ministry noted that visa-on-arrival access had previously been suspended following security-related policy changes and that any special arrangement for Chinese nationals would require approval at the appropriate level.

Raja Nazimul Amin, adviser to the president on international trade and tourism investment at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), said the proposed arrangement could later be expanded across Gilgit-Baltistan if the initial phase proves successful.

The proposal comes as tourism stakeholders in the region seek greater access for Chinese visitors through the Khunjerab corridor. Pakistan's tourism authorities have previously highlighted the importance of strengthening tourism cooperation with China and improving access through the Khunjerab Pass.

One-Window NOC System Proposed at Sost

Alongside the visa proposal, the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination suggested simplifying the existing clearance process through a single online portal for no-objection certificates (NOCs).

The Gilgit-Baltistan Home Department currently processes NOCs through multiple stages involving police clearance. Officials have agreed to explore a one-window mechanism at Sost to make the process more efficient for international visitors.

The SIFC has asked the GB government to prepare a detailed proposal. It will subsequently be examined by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination before being sent to the Interior and Foreign Affairs ministries for further concurrence and consideration by higher authorities.

Potential Impact on Cross-Border Tourism

The proposed policy could create additional opportunities for hotels, transport operators, guides, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses along the Karakoram Highway.

The Khunjerab Pass already serves as an important link between Pakistan and China. Pakistan's tourism information identifies the Karakoram Highway as the route connecting Pakistan with Kashgar through Gilgit, Hunza and the Khunjerab Pass.

However, the proposed visa facility should not yet be considered a confirmed policy. Final implementation depends on security clearance, inter-ministerial concurrence and approval from the relevant higher authorities.

For official tourism information, readers can consult the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation and its tourism resources.

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Keep reading via DAWN: Chinese visitors to Gilgit-Baltistan may get visa on arrival