Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Pakistan. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Pakistan may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend trade shows or seminar conventions
• Tour a company facility
• Buying goods for sale outside the country

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Pakistan?

Nationals from the European Union, Canada, the US and most other countries require a visa to enter Pakistan to conduct business activities. Business visitors that require a visa to enter Pakistan must obtain a Business Visa prior to travel from a Pakistani Consulate or Embassy. However, nationals found on Pakistan’s Business Visa List (BVL) are eligible to obtain a Business Visa on Arrival, at the discretion of immigration authorities.

Only a few countries have established visa exemptions with Pakistan, including Nepal, Western Samoa and Zambia.

Indian nationals and even other nationals of Indian heritage will receive increased scrutiny for business travel to Pakistan and may have prolonged delays and additional document requests. Israelis are prohibited from entering Pakistan.

Working in Pakistan

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Pakistani law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Pakistan, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning or implementation
• Marketing
• Auditing

Certain professional activities may be conducted on a Business Visa, provided they are not remunerated. However, activities should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

If I am traveling to Pakistan for work, what type of work visa do I need?

Whether you require a work visa depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Pakistan, and the nature of your work. The most common Pakistani work authorization is the Work Visa (direct hire work visa).

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

There are no countries with established Work Visa exemptions for Pakistan. Nationals of India and Israel are not permitted to obtain work authorization for Pakistan.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.