 |
|
15 Sep 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 67
|
|
|
Pakistan Visa - more questions (LOI, general advice, tips)
Hi guys,
I have searched the forum and found some valuable info, but unless Im looking in the wrong places a lot of it seemed a bit dated. I wondered if anyone as applied for the visa recently?
I'm sat here with the Visa forms half filled in and my head is thoroughly boggled already. hah.
I've heard a few people say you shouldn't mention the 'motorcycling' part? Not sure how feasible that is? I'd like to submit my application this week and I'm cutting it fine time wise so I want to have all my ducks in a row when I visit the (by all accounts) dreaded London consulate.
So if anyone has processed this visa recently I'd love to hear your thoughts/tips/advice.
Which leads me to my apparent main hurdle - where did you guys get your letter of invitations? Will a hotel do it? Will a hotel letter suffice? How long did you allow to ride through Pakistan?
|
16 Sep 2012
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
|
|
Sorry dude don't I have time to go over it again  currently in Ecuador with crap wifi.
The info you have found is correct, if you choose to go to London, mention overland travel, motorcycling etc you WILL NOT get a visa, full stop.
These guys will do you a LOI Lost Horizon Treks and Tours - Northern Pakistan's friendly, professional tourism experts
Go to Birmingham, tell them you are flying into Islamabad and treking in Hunza, bingo 30 day visa in passport. They are a little less twitchy if you have visited before (which I assume you haven't?)
HTH
Pete
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
|
16 Sep 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 67
|
|
|
Thanks McGiggle! I'm just trawling through all your comments and looking at all the ones mentioning Pakistan... has lead me to some handy info!
Has anyone gone for the visa in London and told them the white lie about flying in?
|
16 Sep 2012
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
|
|
|
yes I did, I booked a hotel room in ISB and Lahore. Trouble is they only gave me a 7 day visa. It works but make sure you have some sort of itinerary that means they give you a longer visa.
I did manage to extend in Gilgit a few days ago but it was a right hassle.
A co traveller went to Bradford, I think he mentioned m/cing and got a 3 month visa on the spot, same day. London is a nightmare.
|
16 Sep 2012
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
|
|
|
Go to the consulate in Birmingham, very smartly dressed (suit,tie, etc), be very confident and professional, it will work out to your favour, you must remember that in countries like Pakistan the image you portray says a million words, rock up in jeans and a run down tee-shirt and wave goodbye to you ever seeing the country!
Don't see it as lying, the consulate want you to visit you just need to tick the right boxes and then they're happy.
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
|
16 Sep 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 67
|
|
|
Thanks again for this info. Crikey. Suit and tie? The plot thickens. Will have to visit a charity shop. haha.
|
17 Sep 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Portugal
Posts: 139
|
|
|
You have to be carefull mentioning trekking these days, they have been asking for trekking permits. I'm surprised you managed to extend in Gilgit, we tried in May and were given the run around before being told we didn't need to anyway as we were allowed 2 weeks grace (overstay). We tried again in Chitral and met with a similar responce, we eventually left after 6 weeks (2 weeks over) without to much hassle (half hearted attempt at 'baksheesh' by the immigration at Waggha). Incidently, if your heading to Waggha and don't fancy the carnage of the GT rd, we managed to use the new motorway ( Peshawar-Islmbd-Lahore), officially bikes are not allowed, however we found that if you ask politely and act respectful, they will make exceptions for foreign visitors, and believe me, it's well worth it, beautiful road with very little traffic.
|
17 Sep 2012
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
|
|
|
Once inside Pakistan it is VERY easy to extend your visa. You are allowed to extend up to 6 months! Gilgit has an office and so does Scardu.
Make sure you have an Itinerary, the visa application actually asks for it! Just go to LP website, jot down the top 10 places and write that down. It doesn't matter if you end up visiting those places or not.
If you have to show a booking of some sort - just book online somewhere and get the confirmation email, print and include in your application or just fake it! It doesn't matter - they just have to tick the boxes.
As for trekking Permits - it depends on where you are going and what kind of trekking you are doing and where you are doing it.
As for getting my visa - I got it in Australia (sending my passport from India) and I told them I was motorcycling, I included a support letter from Australian Geographic and they were happy to give me a three month visa straight away.
Best of Luck
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
|
18 Sep 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 67
|
|
|
Thanks again for everyone's input.
For reference I heard back from Lost Horizon Treks and Tours, they are still issuing LOI but are charging $50 for them.
Which although is another expense - is fair enough I think. Seems like a lot of hassle to do for free if you're not planning on booking anything with them. To be honest I'll just be relieved to have all the boxes ticked.
Last edited by fraserbyrne; 18 Sep 2012 at 13:17.
|
14 Oct 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 67
|
|
|
Hey guys,
So I've been issued with my visa. Wasn't as painstaking as I thought and the process took about 3 weeks.
I'll post my info here for future reference.
I got LOI from Lost Horizons ($50- bit pricey, but didn't have many options).
I then handed in the following to the London High Commission:
1 completed visa application forms
2 passport photograph(s)
Proof of UK residency
Recent bank statement (showing a minimum balance of £3000)
Copy of your full itinerary
Letter from employer confirming return
Invitation from agent in Pakistan
Passport.
I said I was flying in, no mention of motorcycle. The guy probed me a tiny bit at the counter, but it was so busy it was all very vague. Think once he saw I'd ticked all the boxes he just wanted me out of his hair.
I tried to chase them up by phone, didn't anser the phone once. So I dropped into the (London) High Commission and by chance it had been approved the day before. £100 later and its sorted..
So not as heinous a process as I thought, still a pain in the ass, but aren't all visas?
|
15 Oct 2012
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
|
|
Cool, glad it worked out, gob smacked London did it.
I'm not suprised the guys at LHT are charging now, we did promise we would stay at their guest house (which we did).
If you're doing a round trip it's simple to get in New Delhi for the return, just make sure you tell them you've been before and then he'll ask how long you would like to stay this time 
Cheers
Pete
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
|
15 Oct 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 67
|
|
|
Cheers McGiggle. yes I was relieved. One more tick on a never ending list of to dos sorted. ha.
|
29 Jul 2014
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 12
|
|
|
Pakistan visa
Have trawled this site looking for more info on getting my Pakistan visa in Australia for an overland trip, India to Europe....not much specific utilising Pakistan embassy in Australia. Does anyone have any recent info. Or do I presume that it will be the same cloak and dagger tactics as in UK....hush hush don't mention motorcycling overland.?????
|
29 Jul 2014
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
|
|
|
This information is old, like from 2011.
I had a really good experience from the Pakistani Embassy in Australia. I told them exactly what I was doing and they gave me a three month visa off the bat.
A couple of months later my aunty got a visa from them, the turnaround time was fast, she only got a one month visa (which was plenty for her). So, remember if dealing with them, ask nicely for a long visa (if you need it).
However, if things haven't changed tourist can get up to a 6 month extension in Pakistan pretty easy too.
Have fun in Pakistan - I love that country! I can not wait to go back.
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
|
5 Aug 2014
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 70
|
|
|
I'm planning the same trip right now and leaving in September from Nepal. I'm from Holland but currently in new Zealand. I asked the high commission in new Zealand if they could make a exception since I'm not in my home country to apply. They said no problem. All I have to do is get a introductory letter from my own ambassy. (which they said they can't the %(#&*) .
I'm getting a loi from a tour company in gilit for 75$us. Other than that it seems not to hard?
planning to travel from Nepal to Holland
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
