Direct Flights and Simplified Visas: New Horizons for Travel Between Russia and Pakistan

Outlook for Direct Air Links

At the Eastern Economic Forum, officials from both sides confirmed that work on direct flights is now in full swing. Pakistan’s ambassador to Moscow, Faisal Niaz Turmizi, stressed that building business and tourism ties requires not just airplanes but a smooth logistics chain. As part of the talks, a meeting with the leadership of Russian transport firm FESCO has already been scheduled to hammer out transport details.

First Route: Moscow‑Islamabad

From 1 October, Pakistani low‑cost carrier Fly Jinnah announced plans to operate daily flights between Russia’s capital and Islamabad. If the launch sticks to the timetable, it will become the first regular nonstop connection, preceding any formal inter‑governmental agreement. Which Russian airlines might join the route, and how often the flights will run, remain open questions.

Simplifying the Visa Regime

Alongside the air‑link discussions, officials are pushing for a more convenient visa process. Russian citizens can already obtain Pakistani visas online, and Pakistanis planning trips to Russia can expect a comparable e‑visa service soon. The ambassador noted that this year the number of Pakistani visas issued to Russians has risen seven‑fold, a clear sign of growing interest.

E‑Visas for Russians

The electronic format cuts waiting time and streamlines paperwork. Travelers fill out a web form, upload scanned documents, and receive the visa by email. The system has proven effective and is one of the reasons behind the sharp rise in issued visas.

Possible E‑Visas for Pakistanis

Turmizi highlighted that both sides are preparing a separate agreement on a simplified visa regime. The document was slated to be signed during Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s visit to Moscow, alongside other cultural and economic initiatives. The expectation is that electronic visas for Pakistanis will work on a similar basis, making trips to Russia more accessible.

Tourist Potential

The ambassador named several destinations that could attract Russian tourists. Mountain regions promise trekking and winter sports, while coastal stretches appeal to sun‑and‑sea lovers. Historic cities such as Lahore and Multan offer a deep dive into cultural heritage.

Mountains and Beaches

Pakistan’s mountains are famed for scenic trails and climbing opportunities. Beaches along the Arabian Sea provide warm water and a relaxed vibe, especially inviting in the summer months.

Historic Cities

Lahore, once the heart of ancient empires, houses architectural monuments and bustling bazaars where the past feels alive. Multan, set on a riverbank, blends historic buildings with modern infrastructure, making it suitable for a range of tourism programmes.

What Travelers Can Expect

If direct flights start operating soon, planning a trip will become easier: no more spending hours on connections or long ground transfers. E‑visas will shave off bureaucracy, and the mix of natural and cultural attractions will let travelers craft itineraries to match any interest—from mountain hikes to historic tours.

In short, the development of air links and visa policy points to Pakistan becoming one of the new tourist hotspots capable of drawing millions of Russian visitors in the coming years.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.