Pakistan gives Visa-on-Arrival Plan to Chinese Tourists Visit Hunza & Nagar

Pakistan is considering a special visa-on-arrival arrangement for Chinese tourists travelling to Gilgit-Baltistan through the Khunjerab Pass, with Hunza and Nagar proposed as the initial destinations under a pilot programme.

The proposal was discussed at a high-level meeting held at the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Secretariat in Islamabad . According to reporting by Dawn, officials from Gilgit-Baltistan, tourism authorities and relevant federal ministries discussed ways to restore a visa facility for Chinese tourists entering through Sost.

Hunza and Nagar Proposed for the First Phase

Under the proposal, Chinese tourists travelling through the Khunjerab Pass could initially receive visa-on-arrival access for travel to Hunza and Nagar districts.

If the proposed trial arrangement is successful, officials have discussed potentially expanding it to other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. However, this remains a proposal and should not currently be treated as a confirmed visa-on-arrival facility.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly raised no objection in principle, subject to security clearance. The Interior Ministry noted that previous visa-on-arrival arrangements had been suspended following security-related policy changes and that any special exception would require the necessary higher-level approval.

What This Could Mean for Hunza Tourism

Hunza is already one of the major destinations featured in Pakistan's northern tourism market. Trips.pk currently offers Hunza packages covering destinations and attractions including Khunjerab Pass, Naltar Valley, Attabad Lake, Baltit Fort, Altit Fort and the Karakoram Highway.

A simplified entry process for eligible Chinese visitors could create additional opportunities for tourism businesses, hotels, guides and transport providers in Hunza and Nagar if the proposed programme receives final approval.

The wider Khunjerab route is also important because Sost is the Pakistani settlement and immigration/customs point before the China border. The Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department identifies Sost as a destination on the Karakoram Highway before Khunjerab Pass and notes its role in Pakistan-China border traffic.

Proposed One-Window NOC System

The discussions also included ways to simplify the clearance process for visitors travelling through Sost.

The Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination proposed a single online portal for no-objection certificates (NOCs). The Gilgit-Baltistan Home Department was also reported to be exploring a one-window system at Sost instead of the existing multi-step clearance process.

For international travelers, changes of this type could make travel planning easier if they are formally introduced and become operational.

What Travelers Should Know Right Now

Travelers should distinguish between the proposed arrangement and an officially implemented visa facility.

As of the September 22, 2026 report, the proposal still requires additional government review and approval. The SIFC has asked the Gilgit-Baltistan government to prepare a detailed proposal, after which it is expected to pass through relevant government departments before a final decision.

Therefore, Chinese travelers planning a Pakistan trip should continue checking the latest official immigration and visa requirements rather than assuming that the proposed Hunza/Nagar visa-on-arrival facility is already available.

Pakistan's Directorate General of Immigration & Passports publishes information on visa categories and tourism-related visa facilities, while the Federal Investigation Agency also provides immigration information for travelers.

Planning a Hunza or Gilgit-Baltistan Trip

For travelers planning a northern Pakistan itinerary, Hunza can be combined with destinations such as Naltar Valley, Khunjerab Pass and other attractions along the Karakoram Highway.

Trips.pk currently lists Hunza and Skardu tour options, including packages departing from Lahore and other travel arrangements for northern Pakistan.

Travelers should also consider weather, road conditions, border accessibility and any required permissions when planning a trip to high-altitude areas. Trips.pk's existing tour information notes that itineraries can be affected by weather and road conditions, particularly in mountainous regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is Pakistan's new visa-on-arrival facility for Chinese tourists already active?

No. The September 2026 development is a proposal for a pilot arrangement, not confirmation that a new Hunza/Nagar visa-on-arrival facility has already been implemented. Final approval is still required.

Q2. Which areas are proposed for the first phase?

The proposed first phase would cover Hunza and Nagar districts for Chinese tourists entering through the Khunjerab Pass.

Q3. How would Chinese tourists enter under the proposed arrangement?

The proposal concerns Chinese tourists travelling into Gilgit-Baltistan through the Khunjerab Pass and Sost. The exact operational procedure would depend on final government approval and implementation details.

Q4. Could the programme later cover all of Gilgit-Baltistan?

According to the proposal reported by Dawn, a wider rollout could be considered if the initial trial is successful. This should be treated as a proposed second phase rather than an announced implementation.

Q5. Why is Hunza important for this proposal?

Hunza already has established tourism infrastructure and is connected to the Khunjerab Pass through the Karakoram Highway. Trips.pk also offers Hunza tours incorporating attractions such as Khunjerab Pass and Naltar Valley.

Q6. Where should travelers check visa requirements?

International travelers should verify the latest requirements through Pakistan's official immigration and visa authorities before making travel arrangements. Current visa information is published by the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports.