Pakistan Announces ‘Visa on Arrival’ for US-Iran Summit Participants

ISLAMABAD — In a major move to facilitate the high-stakes peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, Pakistan has officially announced a Visa on Arrival policy for all visiting delegates and international journalists. The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday morning.

As the Pakistani capital prepares for this weekend’s "make-or-break" ceasefire talks, the government is ensuring seamless entry for the global diplomatic community. The directive aims to streamline the arrival of high-level officials and the massive press corps descending on the city to cover the historic event.

Open-Door Policy for Diplomats and Media

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared the update via a post on X (formerly Twitter), extending a warm welcome to all participants. "All delegates arriving in Islamabad for the talks, including journalists from participating countries, will be welcomed," Dar stated.

To ensure the policy is implemented immediately, the Foreign Ministry has issued specific instructions to the aviation sector:

Airlines Authorized: All international airlines are requested to allow boarding for delegates and journalists without a pre-obtained visa.
Immigration Processing: Pakistani immigration authorities have been stationed to issue Visas on Arrival at the airport.
Full Inclusion: The policy covers both diplomatic staff and the media representatives accompanying the delegations.

High-Stakes Diplomacy Underway

This facilitation move comes as Vice President JD Vance and a high-level U.S. delegation are expected to arrive in the capital. The decision to waive advance visa requirements underscores Pakistan’s commitment to its role as an "indispensable mediator" in the Middle East conflict.

With hotels at full capacity and the Serena Hotel transformed into a diplomatic fortress, the "Islamabad Talks" are set to be the most significant geopolitical event in the region in decades. By removing bureaucratic hurdles, Pakistan is signaling its readiness to host a successful and transparent negotiation process.