Hi all,

Not sure if this is relevant or of any interest but I've just been issued a visa for Pakistan from the embassy in Bangkok. It took a bit of haggling and perserverance but we got there.

It's only for ten days but with the recent tensions I thought that enough.

At first they said I'd need a work permit for Thailand and proof of savings. When I looked glum at that option they mentioned the letter of invitation from the British embassy. They said they'd never had to do anything like that before and let me draft it with a few ammendments to make it clear they were in no way supporting my trip.

Of course the guy at tthe Pakistan embassy was at first not happy with it, saying i had to go back and have them write another one with the words 'please issue me a visa' at the bottom. I sort of argued that getting my embassy to agree to anything else would be difficult and in the end he went and chatted with the consulate.

An hour later he came back and interogated me about my trip. Off the top of my head I couldn't remember the border I would cross at, which didn't go down well, and then, just as I thought he was going to refuse it, he asked about the bike. I told him. A CT110, 105cc, capable of 70km/h. He laughed, said I was crazy and couldn't believe why anyone would live like this. And then gave me the visa.

So if I learned anything from this it's that it does you no good to argue or get aggressive, just try and throw enough reasons at them why they should issue you with one than refuse.

But for a long time he was suggesting I fly home to England for it.

Glad to hear of your success though 10 days will be a bit of a rush if you're doing the KKH. I was given a flat refusal from them and told I had to get it in UK, no exceptions as I wasn't a Thai resident etc. I eventually just gave up and got mine in Kathmandu.

__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...

In all honesty Mike I think I'd have recieved the same answer had it not been for my choice of bike.

It was certainly the turning point in the conversation. until then he was looking likely to say no.

And I know, ten days isn't ideal but it was all he was prepared to offer. I'll just have to see what I can squeeze in and be glad it's allowed me extra time crossing Iran.

hi nat

A frend of mine just got a 3 month Paki visa in Kathmandu with them saying " have 3 months and enjoy our country"

I got a 1 month visa in3 day s here in Delhi

I sure you can eXtend your visa for up to three months when you arrive.

Good luck and hopr that Postie is still running good....North Pakisatn is sooooo beautifull..

Tim