The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Islamabad Zone has advised dual nationals and overseas Pakistanis traveling to Pakistan to ensure they carry valid travel documents and meet all applicable immigration requirements before starting their journey.
According to APP, an FIA official said dual nationals traveling to Pakistan should carry a valid Pakistani passport, National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), or a Pakistan e-Visa, where applicable. The FIA clarified that Pakistani nationals working abroad can still return to Pakistan even with an expired CNIC, provided they hold other required travel documents in line with applicable regulations.
This isn’t a routine reminder — it follows a real enforcement tightening. In July 2026, the FIA began strictly enforcing a rule requiring foreign passport holders to carry a valid, unexpired NICOP for visa-free entry into Pakistan; travelers with an expired, invalid, or cancelled NICOP must now obtain a Pakistani visa before boarding, or travel on a valid Pakistani passport instead. The change triggered confusion among the diaspora, with some social media reports incorrectly claiming certain nationality groups would be barred from entry altogether — prompting the government to publicly clarify that the rule applies specifically to expired or invalid NICOPs, not to NICOP holders generally.
Practical Guidance for Travelers
The FIA advised passengers to:
- Verify relevant travel and immigration requirements before boarding
- Confirm all documents are valid and in order
- Check passport validity well ahead of travel
- Ensure identity documents are current and acceptable for entry
“Stay informed, travel prepared,” the FIA said, urging travelers to complete document checks before beginning their journey to avoid disruption.
For dual nationals specifically, NICOP renewal can now be completed fully online through NADRA’s Pak-Identity portal without a mission visit in most cases — though processing and courier time should be factored in well ahead of travel, since an expired card at check-in now means arranging a visa instead of visa-free entry.