Where to Apply for Visa...

Swedish passport. Living in California, USA.

I'm trying to figure out how and where to obtain a Pakistani visa. The embassy in Washington states on their website that the processing time is 4-6 weeks. This won't work as I travel abroad every 2-3 weeks and need my passport. I read on this forum that the consulate in Los Angeles is very difficult (might require a trekking permit).

I also read that the embassy in Sweden seems very generous and efficient. I was thinking of sending my passport and application there (by Fedex), you think that sounds like a good plan?

Another option would be to apply for it in India or Bangladesh before going to Pakistan, but I won't have much time, and would need same or next day processing. Is there any consulate in these countries that provide that? My understanding is there isn't.

I will also spend a few weeks in Buenos Aires next month and could apply there, but since I'm not a resident there I think my chances are slim (I don't even find a website for that embassy).

WikiTravel talks about visa on arrival if you go through a tour operator who takes responsibility for you. Is this still available and would it be possible to pay the tour operator yet travel independently on such a visa, or you must stick to the group?

Many questions... thankful for any insight!

Its illegal but you don't have a lot of options. You can not apply for a Pakistani tourist visa out of home country (unless you are a personal squeeze of someone importante). The only exception might be the US if you are a resident but that takes too much time as mentioned..

Thanks Edwardseco for the response!

Its illegal but you don't have a lot of options.

Just to clarify, what is illegal, the "independent visa on arrival" part or the "send passport to sweden via fedex" part?

Yes, at least the embassy web site says that it's ok for me to apply in the US as long as I show proof of residency. But maybe that's outdated information, or they are more strict with foreigners?

The sending. But, we just had succesful report so.. I trust the embassy will process an application in the US. The only issue is the length of time. Others would know more on that..

The sending.

I did not know that. I googled a little, and the situation seems unclear. Surely it is not always illegal, for example the Pakistani embassy in Sweden accepts applications by mail for Finnish and Baltic people. But perhaps couriers in the US refuse to mail passports abroad. And the Pakistani embassy in Sweden might refuse to mail it back to the US. And US customs might have something to say about it. I'll look into this. Thanks for the heads up.

I've heard it too that expediting your passport by mail, courier or otherwise is illegal (it's your responsibility if it get lost).
A couple of weeks ago there was a similar thread although the poster was a German citizen who needed Indian visa. He sent his passport by courier to Germany and got it back with visa within a few days. I can't see why it shouldn't work for you as well.

It's very common to send your passport via mail when you apply to a visa, whether it's to a consulate or to an agency dealing with visas. Not everyone can afford a couple of return trips to a big city hosting a consulate at the other end of the country! That said, it is important to use mail/courrier service offering good insurance in case the passport is lost.

One should make copies in case of demand by authorities as well (especially in Arizona)..

Currently, Pakistani visas can only be obtained from your country of nationality or residence. Since you are US resident of Swedish nationality, you can apply in the US.

Processing times sound ridiculously long. Call the embassy to speak to some official directly and explain that you can't part with your passport for this long. See what they have to suggest.

Check the laws of both countries if you intend to courier your passport. Some countries don't allow sending passport abroad. Pakistan for instance doesn't. I don't know about US and Sweden.

Good luck and happy travels.

LOI could be provided (50$) by LOST HORIZON if they ask for.

Hi,

In applying for your Visa in California, do not mention trekking what so ever or you will be required to obtain that permit as well. Mention that you are travellling in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and touring sites of historical interest.

There is no need to go to the consulate as they will not issue the Visa on the same day.
they required book statements for 3 months, application, photo, passport, credit card number which is non refundable even if you do not get the Visa.

I have travelled in Pakistan 5 times and they would only issue 1 month so be sure and give them a starting date of when you will need to be in Pakistan.

Wish you all the best. It's worth the effort to visit this beautiful country.

SB

One more thing send all info by registered mail and have the consulate sign for it when they receive it. Pay the extra to have it insured with Fedex for the return. This will ease you worry about the loss of passport.
Also, you can get a LOI from Lost Horizon for $50. which will be necessary. I forgot to mention this in the list above.

Cheers.

SB

Edited by: SaharaBlue

As far as getting the Visa in India, you will have to wait a week for them to process & it's possible they won't.
Nepal is a much better option if you are going there.

The other option as one poster suggested is paying the price for a Visa service to obtain it for you.
It's worth checking it out and weighing the cost as it would be less hassle.

SB

Thanks SB for sharing precious & certainly helpful info with fellow travelers.

I got my Pakistani visa a week ago in their embassy in Sweden and I did not have any problems with sending it by mail. However I used agent service but sending it by special mail is perfectly legal at least here. You definitely need a LOI and travel plan itself is not enough. I used Lost Horizon and got it in two days.

Regards
Mikko from Finland

Thanks all for the information. Just to clarify one detail. Did anyone actually have to provide flight tickets (e-ticket printouts), or is a rough itinerary enough (e.g. just writing something like "I plan to fly into Lahore around Nov 22, spend my time sightseeing sites of historical interest in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, and fly out of Karachi around Dec 15.")

Obviously I don't want to buy flight tickets before I get the visa...

Hi Max,

I would take a copy of a printed ticket schedule from the airlines for the intended days just in case they ask. You can tell them you have the date on hold until you receive the Visa.

Good luck.

SB

Hi Max,

Travel plan didn't work for us in Stockhol embassy. It was very detailed with list of places and dates we were supposed to go. We also had booked a couple of hostels but I think the problem was traveling overland. The embassy didn't even take our application in without an invitation.

Thanks SB and Miguel. Miguel, yes I'll definitely get the LOI. I assume that LOI and a printout of some sample flights would do (i.e. I go to the booking site, select flights, and do a screen shot before I actually buy the ticket).

Or did they actually require bought and confirmed flight tickets?

At least in our case having LOI was the necessity and after that it was very straightforward. If you can you should calland ask them. You'll save a lot of hassle by asking beforehand.

BR

Mikko