New SOPs issued for inbound travellers

RAWALPINDI: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Monday issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inbound travellers that will remain effective until April 24.

According to a fresh notification issued by the CAA, 20 countries are now in category A and 23 in category C. With reports of new coronavirus variants spreading in India it was placed in category C.

The revised country list is effective from April 21 (today). There will be a complete travel ban on inbound travel to Pakistan from category C countries, including withdrawal of exemptions earlier provided to Pakistani passport, Nicop and POC holders.

The CAA said this temporary measure was being introduced in continuation of measures being taken to curb the spread of the deadly virus in Pakistan.

Counties included in category C are South Africa, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Comoros, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, Seychelles, Somalia, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela and India.

Travellers from 20 countries in category A do not require a Covid-19 test before entry into Pakistan.

Countries in category A are Australia, Bhutan, China, Fiji, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lagos, Mongolia, Mauritania, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Trinidad, Tobago and Vietnam.

Travellers from other countries are required to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR test (72 hours old) before commencement of travel to Pakistan.