How to Get a Tourist Visa for Crossing LoC

Are you planning to visit your loved ones or explore the beauty of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) or Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)? Then, you need to know about the process of getting a tourist visa for crossing the Line of Control (LoC). In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of getting a tourist visa for crossing the LoC.

Introduction

The Line of Control (LoC) is a de facto border that divides the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and the Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The LoC is heavily guarded by military forces from both sides, and crossing the LoC is not easy. However, if you want to visit your loved ones or explore the beauty of AJK or GB, you need to get a tourist visa for crossing the LoC.

What is the LoC?

The Line of Control (LoC) is a 740-kilometer-long de facto border that divides the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and the Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The LoC was established after the first Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948, and it is heavily guarded by military forces from both sides.

Why do you need a tourist visa for crossing the LoC?

Crossing the LoC is not easy because of the tense situation between India and Pakistan. Therefore, you need to get a tourist visa for crossing the LoC. A tourist visa is a document that allows you to enter a country for a specific period and purpose. In the case of crossing the LoC, a tourist visa allows you to visit AJK or GB for tourism or to meet your loved ones.

Eligibility for a tourist visa

To be eligible for a tourist visa for crossing the LoC, you need to fulfill the following criteria:

You must be a citizen of India or Pakistan.

You must be at least 18 years old.

You must have a valid passport.

You must not be a journalist or a researcher.

You must not be a member of any political party.

Documents required for a tourist visa

To apply for a tourist visa for crossing the LoC, you need to submit the following documents:

A duly filled application form for a tourist visa

A copy of your passport

Two recent passport-sized photographs

A copy of your national identity card (for Pakistani citizens)

A copy of your voter identity card or Aadhaar card (for Indian citizens)

A sponsorship letter from your host in AJK or GB (if applicable)

Process of applying for a tourist visa

To apply for a tourist visa for crossing the LoC, you need to follow these steps:

Download and fill out the application form for a tourist visa from the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs of India or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan.

Submit the application form and documents to the designated authority of your country.

Wait for the approval of your visa application.

Once your visa application is approved, you will be informed about the date and time of your visit.

On the day of your visit, you will be required to report to the designated place of your country with your passport and other required documents.

You will be escorted by the military personnel to the other side of the LoC, where you will be received by the immigration authorities of the other country.

Processing time for a tourist visa

The processing time for a tourist visa for crossing the LoC varies from case to case. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the designated authority.

Visa fee for crossing the LoC

The visa fee for crossing the LoC is nominal, and it varies from country to country. In India, the visa fee for crossing the LoC is INR 100, while in Pakistan, the visa fee for crossing the LoC is PKR 200.

Restrictions on crossing the LoC

Crossing the LoC is subject to several restrictions, and you must abide by these restrictions to avoid any legal consequences. Some of the restrictions on crossing the LoC are as follows:

You can only cross the LoC through designated crossing points.

You cannot carry any weapons or ammunition with you.

You cannot carry any electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, or cameras, with you.

You cannot carry any alcohol or drugs with you.

You must dress appropriately, and you cannot wear any provocative or revealing clothes.

Dos and don'ts while crossing the LoC

While crossing the LoC, you must keep the following dos and don'ts in mind:

Dos:

Respect the military personnel and immigration authorities on both sides of the LoC.

Carry all the required documents with you.

Dress appropriately and modestly.

Stay in touch with your host in AJK or GB.

Enjoy the beauty of AJK or GB.

Don'ts:

Don't carry any weapons or ammunition with you.

Don't carry any electronic devices with you.

Don't carry any alcohol or drugs with you.

Don't indulge in any political or religious activities.

Don't violate the rules and regulations of crossing the LoC.

Conclusion

Getting a tourist visa for crossing the LoC is not an easy task, but it is worth the effort if you want to visit your loved ones or explore the beauty of AJK or GB. By following the step-by-step process and abiding by the rules and regulations of crossing the LoC, you can make your visit safe and enjoyable.