Russian Visa Update: Pakistan tightens Entry Rules with Mandatory Sponsor Biometrics

ISLAMABAD – If you are planning to visit Russia from Pakistan, you need to check new step that travelers cannot afford to miss as Pakistan has updated its visa rules, making sponsor biometric verification through the Pak ID app mandatory for relevant visa applications. Under the new rules, authorities made sponsor biometric verification through Pak ID application mandatory for applicable visa categories, according to an announcement by the Pakistani Embassy in Russia. Visa applications without sponsor’s biometric verification will not be processed. The embassy advised applicants to complete the verification procedure before submitting their visa requests to avoid delays or possible rejection. Russian citizens seeking tourist visas to Pakistan will continue to apply through the Ministry of Interior’s online visa portal. Applicants are required to submit a valid passport and a recent photograph as part of the application process. The embassy noted that tourist visas are currently issued with multiple-entry privileges and remain valid for up to 90 days. However, visa issuance remains subject to approval by the Government of Pakistan. Also, travelers have been instructed to submit their travel intentions at least 24 hours before departure to obtain a Visa Grant Notice, a document required for travel arrangements. The embassy also reiterated that foreign nationals holding a Visa Prior to Arrival are not permitted to enter or exit Pakistan through the Chaman and Torkham border crossings. Officials said the introduction of mandatory sponsor biometric verification is aimed at strengthening security measures, enhancing identity authentication, and improving the overall efficiency of the visa processing system. Applicants have been urged to review the updated guidelines carefully and ensure all verification requirements are fulfilled through the PakID application before lodging their visa applications. Russia Visa Guide for Pakistani Pakistani citizens can apply for several typ