Pakistani Entrepreneur's Unexpected IndiGo Journey Through India
Waqas Hassan, a Pakistani entrepreneur, recently made headlines after sharing his unique travel experience on Instagram. His journey involved a connecting flight from Singapore to Saudi Arabia, with a six-hour layover at Mumbai's airport. This seemingly ordinary transit became extraordinary due to Hassan's Pakistani passport and the resulting surprise of Indian immigration officials.
A Surprising Transit
While Pakistani nationals can transit through India, it's a little-known fact, even to seasoned travelers like Hassan, who has been traveling for 15 years. He chose IndiGo for its cost-effectiveness on east-to-west routes. The process is complex, requiring a transit visa and a lengthy 100% prior reference process that can take up to 90 days. Importantly, Pakistani transit passengers cannot exit the airport.
Mumbai Airport Experience
Hassan's video depicts his six-hour layover in Mumbai. He relaxed in an airport lounge, bought souvenirs, and even sampled the local delicacy, vada pav. He recounts the surprise on the Indian officials' faces upon seeing his Pakistani passport, highlighting the rarity of such transits.
Can Pakistanis Transit Through India?
The short answer is yes, but with significant caveats. A transit visa is mandatory, along with prior clearance which can involve a considerable wait time. Crucially, passengers are restricted to the transit area and cannot leave the airport during their layover. This makes self check-in impossible.
IndiGo's Role
Hassan's choice of IndiGo highlights the airline's accessibility for this often overlooked route. His experience, while legally sound, underscores the lack of awareness surrounding this transit possibility and the inherent “slight risk” involved.
Conclusion:
Hassan's journey serves as a fascinating case study, showcasing the complexities of travel between India and Pakistan, even for simple connecting flights. While possible, it requires careful planning, awareness of the regulations, and a bit of courage. His experience has sparked considerable online conversation, with many expressing surprise and interest in this unique travel route.