Visa Matters: Getting Turkish Visa on Pakistani Passport

Last month a colleague applied for Turkish Tourist visa through their embassy in Karachi. Since securing a visa on the green passport is never a walk in the park so I thought to share the experience for a reference.

DIY: Do It Yourself

First he tried to go DIY; collected information from the internet, downloaded and printed visa forms, arranged all the required documentation including photographs, bank statement, employer’s certificate, et cetera. He had already booked flights, accommodation, and even the car rental for himself and the family; again all DIY through internet and without engaging a travel agent.

Loaded with all that paperwork he visited the embassy to submit visa applications as per the schedule given on their website. Had it been this simple, there would have been little sense of writing this post. So yes there is a twist indeed:

A is for Agents

Outside the embassy, there was a long slow moving queue. It seemed certain that even people ahead, who arrived much earlier, would not be able to even cross the entrance gate in time. So my colleague abandoned the idea and left his place to explore other options.

Inevitably, he and I then contacted a couple of travel agents to know that the embassy wants to see applicants in person and there is no way around but to join the queue. One of the agents informed that the queue starts as early as 2am and that there are cameras installed in case one resorts to the proxy!

Back to DIY

Without much option, the colleague decided to give that another try. This time he reached around couple of hours before the opening time; 8 am versus 10, and contrary to what the agent suggested, there were few people ahead of him. The gate opened half an hour before the schedule and the guards let the batch of 12 people come inside and seated until the visa counter opened.

Rest was more straightforward; the visa officer checked all the documents then and there and after finding them in order advised the pick-up date – around 15 working days post submission.

So now my colleague is waiting for the visa and I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Happy Ending

At the end of the day it was not as difficult as it sounded earlier, although required a little bit of effort and persistence. For me, the good part was that the embassy cut off the middle men which is not so easy in Pakistan but to serve the cause fully the process should be made easier and more friendly.

 

Crossing Pakistan by Road: Experiences of a Foreign Traveler

View Larger Map

While planning for Nepal, early this year, I received an email from Flossie, a traveler who intended to cross Pakistan by road, first crossing from China border to the Northern Areas, and then crossing over to Iran from Quetta and Tuftan. The second part, i.e. crossing over to Iran was specially the concern, for which she wanted my word.

Flossie is one of the bravest persons and greatest travelers I have ever come across as traveling through almost whole Pakistan, from China border to Iran border, is not an easy task, let alone for a solo female traveler!

It was our sheer luck that we could even meet her in person, and that too not in Pakistan, but in Nepal! Then I got to know that Pakistan was part of her bigger overland travels; from Hong Kong all the way to London! Wow! Wow!

After she crossed Pakistan-Iran border safely I requested her to share this extraordinary experience for the benefit of future travelers. Now I am taking the liberty to post this here with a big 'hurray' to brave Flossie:

1. How’s the experience of crossing into Iran overland from Pakistan through Quetta and Taftan?

[logistics from Lahore]

- First, I take a train from Pindi to Quetta. It takes me 48 hours as the train delays all the time

[problems in Quetta, NOC, bus ticket, etc]

- I don't have many problems in Quetta. It is very smooth, thanks to the help of my friends.
- I got NOC within 5 hours in the same day. Couchsurfing is possible, just don't let police know about it. Police in Quetta doesn't like tourists staying with locals. Most overlanders stay in Bloom Star Hotel.

- You can't buy bus ticket from any private bus companies even you have NOC due to security issues. You can only charter a taxi(bloom star hotel can arrange it) or take a flight. No other options.
- I can go by bus due to my luck and help from my friends becoz I went with a worshiping group.

[visa]

- You need a reference code to  get the visa. So apply to Iranian toruist agency first, wait for 2 weeks then confirm the code with the embassy,  submit all relevant documents and you will get a visa for a month.
- Lahore consulate saves all the trouble. My friend doesn't need a reference code and she pays it on the spot. Got the visa after 4 days.

[issues at border crossing, language barrier, etc]

- the bus is really long and hot. it is about 12 hours driving in the desert in a non-air con air. The people on the bus didn't like me to go out so they hided me very well.
- for women, cover as much as you can. Dress like locals. 

- there are lots of check posts on the way. Since I blended in very well, I don't have much problems.

2. While planning Pakistan – Iran border crossing what were your concerns, especially as a solo female traveler?

[security issues, Czech girls]

- Pakistan is really safe other than some regions. Political issues can change the situations very quickly. So always seek advice from locals. But one thing, locals always have conflicting opinions so it's very difficult to make decisions. And no much information on the internet. So try talk to travellers. There are not many travellers in the country and you almost know all of them. Use common sense.

[difficulty of logistics]

- bus connection is really good over the whole country. So it's really easy to travel.

3. Any tips on Pakistan – Iran border crossing for future overland travelers?

- if you have money, please FLY! becoz there is not much to see from this part of Pakistan.
- But if you are out of money and you intend to cross overland, please seek help from locals which they know best about the region. Blend in as much as you can. Move as swift and quiet as you can.

- this is a tough journey

- once you cross the iran border, you will have police escort all the way to Bam, Iran.

4. What was the good part of this journey?

- you will meet lots of REAL travellers, bikers on the road. Once you are in Bam (there is only one hotel for overlanders), you will share all experiences there.

5. How’s the experience of China – Pakistan border crossing at Khunjerab?

[all the way to GIlgit, Attabad lake]

- border crossing from China to Pakistan takes some time. The border opens at 11am but I can only leave China at 12:30pm. Customs are rude.
- it will take one day when you reach Hunza. Be ready!

- the best scenery I have ever seen in the world, esp North Pakistan. Truely stunning and wonderful locals. They try to help you every way possible.

- due to my nationality(China and PK are good friends), I received really warm welcome from Pakistanis.

6. How concerned were you and your family before visiting Pakistan?

[Nanga Parbat incident]

- My family are fine with me as I have been travelling for years so they have confidence with me.

7. How much did you spend in Pakistan? What part of the country you liked the most?

[detailed]

- Wowow! difficult question! I don't remember the budget! I spent around 200 euro for the whole month. Pakistan is the cheapest country I have been so far.
- I like Hunza the best due to stunning scenery. I feel like I am in the fairy tale. So I spent 5 days there.
- I also like Islamabad becoz I met a bunch of good friends. Thanks to couchsurfing.

8. Would you recommend other travelers to come to Pakistan?

[areas which are worth exploring]

- Spend more time in North Pakistan if you are into nature. Lahore is also nice with its history and historical buildings.

[were people friendly and hospitable]

- Super!! Angels on Earth

[any issues especially regarding women, harassing, etc]

- Women are well respected in the country. Compared to its neighbouring countries, I feel really safe here. Oh, one thing, don't give your phone number to anyone you JUST know. Becoz they will spread your numbers to their friends and you will have unwanted attention and call all the time.

Exploring the Riches of Nepal

Bhaktapur, Nepal

Nepal Travelogue:

Day 12 Day 11 Day 10 Day 9  

Day 8  Day 7  Day 6  Day 5
Day 4  Day 3  Day 2  Day 1

After a little break, here come details of our latest travel. This time we traveled to Nepal which is a Himalayan country famous for its high peaks, wildlife, and distinctive fusion of Buddhist and Hindu cultures:

• Trip Duration: 2 Weeks - May 13 to May 27, 2013
• The Troupe: Mikeal – 1 year, Misha – 3 years, Urooba, and self
• The Loop: Karachi → Kathmandu → Chitwan National Park → Manakamana → Kathmandu → Bhaktapur → Nagarkot → Kathmandu → Karachi

Keeping Everyone Happy

Wifey wanted to revive her yoga which she used to practice before marriage and Nepal could have been the best place for that. Luckily, there was an international yoga event going around Kathmandu, at Budhanilkantha's Chandra Ban Eco Resort, which forced me to take on 4/5 full days of baby sitting in addition to couple of hours of daily trekking right after landing into Nepal! Good for me!

Last year, when we visited Ziarat, a cool hill station near Karachi, Misha, our 3 years daughter, never hesitated asking why we were visiting the place: "Ziarat men kuch nahee hai"! So there needed to be something for her and her younger accomplice Mikael, who turned 1 this March and was embarking on his first foreign travel. So to avoid "Nepal men kuch nahee hai" we headed to Chitwan National Park - which is famous for one-horned rhinos and elephant back Jungle Safari. We spent 4-5 days there as well and it was completely worth it.

Although, both the expeditions I was targeting -- trek to the Everest Base Camp and the one-in-the-lifetime road trip to Tibet -- were unfeasible due to reasons beyond control, there was still something for me. Exploring around Kathmandu's historical places, attending Buddha Jayanti - the festival of Buddha, visiting Buddhist and Hindu sites, and sipping hot Nepali Masala Tea at Nagarkot hill station was kind of a solace for me in the concluding 4/5 days of our 2 weeks trip.

Pleasant Surprises

When we landed at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport we found out that most Nepali people can understand Urdu, our mother tongue and the national language of Pakistan. That was a pleasant surprise indeed and a bit helpful too especially when we neither had advanced booking nor a firm plan for this trip.

The second and the bigger surprise came in when we noticed our hometown favorites Gol Gappa, Halwa Poori, and Samosa selling around Budhanilkantha - a green hilly suburb of Kathmandu which was our first improvised stopover for the next four days.

Even before the travel, I was astonished to know that there is a free visa on arrival facility for Pakistani citizens and that too with comparatively little paper work!

Had there been more surprises of this sort we might have felt 'not traveled' but luckily there was ample contrast for us to explore, amuse, and enjoy!

Bill, Please!

Low cost of living in Nepal, our policy to avoid touts completely, Pakistani citizenship (SAARC), and most importantly support from friends (especially Couchsurfing's Kathrine, etc) helped us in managing things within our limits:

~Rs. 110,000 for Karachi - Kathmandu Return Air Ticket* for 2 Adults, 1 child, 1 infant
~Rs. 60,000 = 4,000 per day x 15 days
Total ~Rs. 170,000 or USD 1,700 for the whole trip including air tickets

Think this is cheap? Don't hesitate contacting me for some pocket friendly secrets either through the comment section below, or email me at muzamil79@gmail.com, or keep a check on my travel blog for budget traveling tips.

* through Pakistan International Airlines

Travelogue - In the Making:
In the coming days, I intend to post day wise travelogue of our trip focusing on tips and tricks to save money while traveling. So stay tuned :-)

Nepal Travelogue:
Day 12 Day 11 Day 10 Day 9  

Day 8  Day 7  Day 6  Day 5
Day 4  Day 3  Day 2  Day 1

Travelogue: Of Pharaohs - Ancient and the Modern

This is Day Zero of the Egyptian Journey 2011

Day 1: Cairo - the City of Minarets and Pyramids

 Day 2: Beauty, Enchantment, and the Suez Crossing of Ismailia
Day 3: The Best of Free Cairo
Day 4: Mummies and the Nile
Day 5: The Colourful Friday Cairo

Taxi Tips: Know Your Numbers

Video: Egyptian Magic

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Spinx: A Masterpiece or a Symbol of Tyranny!?

Some Surprises are so Pleasant!
It was all so sudden; got the visa on Friday, booked the ticket on Saturday, and on Sunday morning we were in the CIP lounge of the Jinnah International Airport, Karachi waiting for the Emirates EK-601 to open for boarding! 

While I was babysitting, Urooba was hastily noting the ‘Must Dos’ of Cairo from the internet. Pyramids, Mummies, the Nile Cruise, historical mosques, and Khan El Khalili bazaar were some of the findings while I added Suez Canal, Tanura, and the Coptic Cairo to the list. However, in the subconscious, I was dreaming of watching the rebellious Egyptian youth around the infamous Tahrir square pushing back the remains of the tyranny!

Now We Know How to Travel Light!

Coming Down

Mashallah!

With only two hours layover in Dubai, the journey from Karachi to Cairo was smooth except that the flight attendant refused to give Misha the baby bassinet. “She has grown up”, Urooba muttered.

Baby Stroller at Dubai Airport

Not All Taxi Drivers in Cairo are Cons
The frank and amicable Ashraf picked us from the Cairo Airport and took us straight to the Cairo Palace Hotel located in the downtown Cairo. He looked antithesis of those notorious drivers who always want to take you to their uncle’s perfume shop, a typical tourist trap in Cairo! But Ashraf is a common being like us; a hardworking father on one hand who strives to make sure his children get good education and a concerned citizen on the other who spoke high about his presence at Tahrir Square in the toughest of days. 
 

Was He Really a Salafi?
Despite making his bread and butter from the tourist industry, he was blunt in expressing his dissatisfaction on the disco clubs on the other side of Nile, called Giza. “We Egyptians don’t like that. It is against our values”. 

“Which party you voted for?”, I reacted unbelievingly while looking at the hustle bustle of downtown markets from the cab window. “All my brothers and I are Salafis but we voted for the Freedom and Justice Party, حزب الحرية والعدالة, as there was no candidate of Noor Party in our constituency”, he replied in a firm note.

While familiarizing myself with the emerging political system in Egypt, I was not sure if the clean shaved Ashraf was preempting the imminent Islamist rule, or he was actually one of those Salafis stereotyped in the in-flight newspaper as long-bearded, mustache-less, and women-eaters!

The Football Craze
Cutting through a couple of traffic jams we reached our destination at around 7pm, where the young Muhammad, the football freak, greeted us at the reception. We had already realized that every third Egyptian goes by the name ‘Muhammad’ and every first is a football crazy!

The 11th Hour
After dumping our luggage in the big family room, we took a brief stroll around, basically to have some food. Fool فول and Shawarma were our first meal on the Egyptian land which we had at a local eatery آخر السا عہ or “the 11^th Hour” as per Muhammad’s recommendation!

Cairo Palace Hotel

Its Modern Elevator (Reference: Pyramids)

The Cairo Downtown; A View from the Balcony

Lonely as it can be! Down from the Balcony

Tip of the Day; Currency Exchange is easily done at Cairo Airport without the fear of being ripped-off. Before the immigration counter you will notice currency exchange kiosks of big Egyptian banks. For 1000 UAE Dirham, AED, I got 1620 Egyptian Pounds, EGP, against 1635 as quoted on the internet, which translates into just 1% transaction cost. A fair deal indeed! 

These shops happily accept USD, Euro, GBP, AED, SAR, etc on clearly displayed rates.

(Travelogue) Oriental Outings Day 17: From Kuala Lumpur's LRT to Colombo's Tuk-Tuk

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

It was even before dawn when we left Umair’s home. We had to catch the morning flight to Colombo from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The challenge was to make it through public transport, i.e. without using a taxi, first from Wangsa Maju to KL Sentral, from where the airport bus/train leaves, through LRT and then to the airport by bus. And that proved to be quite a challenge!

Yet to open: Wansga Maju LRT station

Peeking into it

Another guy waiting

Finally it opened

Morning Walk
We were among the first ones to enter into Wangsa Maju LRT station – as soon as it opened around 6 –after a long walk from Umair’s apartment to the train station. The otherwise easy stroll turned into a strenuous morning exercise partly because of the slope and mainly because of the added luggage, an obvious consequence of yesterday’s shopping!

Long walk

The porter!

(70 km out of) KL-International Airport!
By the time we reached the ticket kiosk outside KL Sentral, the 6:30 skybus had already departed. The next bus had to leave at 7. Keeping in view that KLIA is ~ 70 km away from KL city center; we were left with a thin margin for the 9:10 international flight! With little choice, I started looking for a cab. While I was haggling with one of the taxis, Urooba screamed standing outside the ticket booth!

What I could see from the road that the bus kiosk is surrounded by 4-5 men with Urooba waving her hands crazily. I hurried back only to know that the bus company had decided to operate another bus at 6:45! Good news!

Business Secrets
On the way to the airport, I was pondering why the company bothered to run another bus for 7-8 commuters, maybe to cut on the tax business? More importantly, Urooba’s alertness saved us some decent money and the self-pledge to not using a taxi during the trip.

Yawning!

(Outside) Colombo Airport

The usual one hour journey took only 45 minutes because of the off-peak hours. So we managed to make it to Sri Lankan Airlines counter around 7:45! Rest of the journey – till Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo – was uneventful except that we gained a few hours because of the change in the time zone.

Ask for the front seat

And give the baby some comfort

Getting Connected

Immigration at Colombo airport was swift and within half an hour we were out of the airport. First, I purchased some local currency from one of the bank booths outside the arrival area. Rate was decent and the service was quick. There were also a couple of stall selling prepaid mobile cards. But that was more of a tourist trap because of the exorbitant price; LKR 2,000! The actual price of the SIM was ~50-100 and the rest was the credit in the chip which was too much for our 3 nights stay. So I postponed that until we reach to the town.

Landing at Colmobo Airport

Local Experience

From the airport we had to make it to Pita Kotte, a neighborhood in Colombo, where we would stay with a Sinhalese Buddhist family for the next couple of days.

Do As Locals Do
Encouraged from the morning experience, we decided to give the public transport another try! First we took the old white bus, which they call airport shuttle, to the airport bus depot where we transferred to the coaster style bus heading towards Pettah, the main transport junction of Colombo. Airport shuttle was free of cost while we paid LKR 400 for the air-conditioned coaster, much higher than what they charge from locals. The higher bus fare also accounted for our luggage which was occupying another seat! Anyhow, that was not a big deal for the one hour – ~ 35km – journey.

Saddar, Saddar!!
It was around noon when we reached Pettah, the open-air KL Sentral of Colombo! The ambiance was much like Saddar, the busy transportation hub of Karachi. We tried to catch a public bus to our destination, Pita Kotte, but none of the buses stopped for us mainly due to the baggage!

Of Tuk-Tuks!
Amid the heat and the humidity, and with the empty stomach, we had no choice but to give up our no-taxi solemn oath! With the support of a local guy, who was waiting for his bus, we struck a deal with one of the tuk-tuks for LKR 600! The price included all the luggage plus two enroute stops, one for the meal and the other for the mobile SIM!

The rickshaw driver kept on increasing the fare, citing different reasons, from prolonged enroute stops to the ambiguity in the address. By the time we reached our destination, near Ananda Balika Mawatha, means Girls College, the quote had gone up to LKR 1300! We felt a bit generous on making it safe and sound and settled that for 900!

It was a tough day today but that gave us an authentic feel of the city and the courage to use public buses in the coming days.  

Meeting Dharsana
Dahrsana, our host, gave us a warm welcome and helped us in settling our luggage in the lounge. I had an introductory chitchat with Dharsana, who now works as a freelance cartoonist and journalist, while we had our meal. Unfortunately, we could not meet his wife, Chinta, as she was abroad for a work related assignment.

Though it was not too late for us to go out, but since it was already a long day, we settled for an easy amble around Pita Kotte.

Whats Tomorrow?
Before calling it a day, Dharsana shared with us the photographs of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which he visited with a surfer recently, and some valuable tips to visit the place within budget.