Pakistan:Visa Requirements

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Pakistan Visa Requirements Map

Pakistan: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • The traveler must carry a valid passport type accepted under the relevant visa exemption agreement or current exemption policy. The exemption may only be used for the travel purpose, passport type, and permitted duration defined in the relevant regulation.
  • The visa exemption may apply to only one or several of the following passport types: diplomatic, official, service, or ordinary passport. The traveler must check before travel whether their passport type is covered by the exemption.
  • Exemptions tied to specific purposes such as tourism, business, or religious visit cannot be used for employment, education, journalism, long-term residence, or any other activity. For travel with a purpose other than the permitted one, an appropriate visa must be obtained.
  • A common minimum passport validity period applicable to all visa-exempt travelers is not definitively specified in the central official source. The number of blank pages required in the passport is also not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A central checklist indicating that all visa-exempt travelers are uniformly required to provide a return ticket, hotel reservation, bank statement, a specific minimum balance, or travel health insurance has not been published. These documents may be requested depending on the travel purpose, border assessment, or the exemption arrangement used.
  • The permitted duration of stay under the visa exemption varies by passport type and the relevant mutual agreement. A single maximum duration of stay applicable to all visa-exempt travelers is not definitively specified in the central official source.

Electronic Travel Authorization Requirements

  • The application for an electronic travel authorization or Visa Prior to Arrival must be submitted before travel through the Pakistan Online Visa System or the Pak-ID mobile application that supports this service. The applicant must create an account, verify their email address, and enter complete personal, passport, and travel information.
  • A digital photograph and the biographical data page of the passport must be uploaded in the application. For transactions made via the mobile application, the passport image may be scanned with the application and liveness check and facial verification may be applied.
  • The passport must generally be valid for at least six months. However, different validity requirements may apply for special passport types or specific visa policies. The number of blank pages required in the passport is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The photograph must be 45 millimeters in height and 35 millimeters in width. The head and upper shoulders must be visible, and the face must cover approximately 70 to 80 percent of the photograph. The photograph must be clear, high quality, and free of blemishes. A white background must be used. In an online application, the photograph file must not exceed 350 KB.
  • Supporting documents may be uploaded in JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF format. The maximum permitted size for each supporting document file is 500 KB.
  • The application must be submitted at least 24 hours before the planned travel. The official target processing time is 24 working hours. It should be taken into account that approval may be finalized later, and definite travel arrangements should not be made before receiving the electronic document.
  • A Visa Prior to Arrival application is not subject to visa and processing fees in the existing free categories. This free practice applies only to travel purposes and applicant profiles deemed eligible by the system.
  • When the application is approved, an electronic Visa Grant Notice or the electronic travel authorization document used by the system in the relevant application is generated. The document must be downloaded and carried in an accessible form during travel. It is recommended to also keep a printed copy.
  • A Visa Grant Notice is generally issued with a validity of 90 days and multiple entry entitlement. The exact validity, number of entries, and permitted duration of stay are determined according to the conditions written on the electronic approval document.
  • In applications supported by a person in Pakistan, the sponsor may be required to perform biometric verification through the Pak-ID application. Sponsor biometric verification is mandatory only in cases where the system or the relevant visa class requests it.
  • Accommodation proof, return ticket, bank statement, employment certificate, or invitation letter are not listed as common requirements for all Visa Prior to Arrival applications. The application system may generate additional documents based on personal information, travel purpose, or the selected subcategory.
  • The minimum financial sufficiency amount is not definitively specified in the central official source. Travel health insurance and minimum insurance coverage are also not definitively specified in the central official source as common conditions applied to all electronic travel authorization applications.

E-Visa Application Requirements

  • The applicant must create an account on the Pakistan Online Visa System, complete email verification, and select the visa category and subcategory appropriate to the travel purpose. The mandatory fields in the application form must be filled in completely and identically to the information in the passport.
  • The application may require first and last name, birth details, parent information, marital status, contact information, current address, passport information, travel purpose, address in Pakistan, planned entry and exit dates, and previous travel or visa information.
  • The applicant must upload the biographical information page of their valid passport and any other relevant pages requested. Most official foreign missions require a passport valid for at least six months. In some specific application policies, a longer passport validity may be required.
  • A common number of blank passport pages applicable to all e-visa categories is not definitively specified in the central official source. A detailed common central standard applicable to all applicants regarding damaged passports, biometric passports, or machine-readable passports has not been published.
  • The photograph must be 45 × 35 millimeters in size, with a white background, clear and high quality. The head and upper shoulders must be visible, and the face must cover approximately 70 to 80 percent of the photograph. The online photograph file must not exceed 350 KB.
  • That the photograph was taken within the last six months is explicitly required in the checklists of some official foreign missions. This period has not been definitively published as a single central condition for all visa types and missions.
  • Supporting documents may be uploaded in JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF format with a maximum file size of 500 KB. The applicant must provide legible and genuine document images. Blurry, cut-off, or information-free documents may cause the application to be returned for review.
  • The application must be made from the country of nationality or the country of legal permanent residence. If applying from outside the country of nationality, a valid residence permit, residence card, or document showing legal residence in the country of application may be required.
  • In tourist applications, hotel reservation information is required in addition to passport and photograph. If accommodation will be with a host, an invitation letter, the sponsor's Pakistan identity document or passport copy, address, and contact information may be requested.
  • Some foreign missions request a return or onward ticket, detailed travel itinerary, employment or student certificate, proof of residence, and bank statement for tourist and visitor applications. These are not a common central document list for all applicants.
  • The period that the bank statement must cover varies by mission and application type. Some official foreign missions require the last three months, others the last six months. A common bank statement period and minimum account balance applicable to all e-visa applications are not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • In family visit applications, documents showing Pakistani origin or family ties, such as POC, CNIC, NICOP, Pakistan passport, birth certificate, or marriage certificate may be required. Depending on the applicant's situation, a copy of the identity document or passport of the family member in Pakistan may also be requested.
  • In business visa applications, an invitation letter from the company in Pakistan, an E-Business Invitation Letter, the company's SECP or chamber of commerce registration document, and an appropriate business recommendation letter may be required. The applicant's employer letter, company profile, or proof of existing commercial relationship may also be added to the relevant checklist.
  • For an employment visa, an employment contract, a covering letter from the employer in Pakistan, company profile, company registration documents, sponsor contact information, the applicant's curriculum vitae, and when required, a Board of Investment recommendation or approval letter are required.
  • For a student visa, an admission or student status letter and a NOC from the relevant education, health, economic affairs, or other authorized government body are requested. Depending on the application, a sponsorship certificate, bank statement, or police clearance certificate may also be requested.
  • For a medical visa, medical reports, a treatment or admission letter from the hospital in Pakistan, accommodation or invitation information, and if applicable, documents regarding the accompanying person may be requested.
  • For applications for journalism, non-governmental organization, international organization, missionary work, religious activity, conference, sports, culture, mountaineering, and trekking, purpose-specific documents such as employer or organizer letter, invitation letter, organization registration, memorandum of understanding, event program, relevant permit or NOC are required.
  • For diplomatic and official visa applications, in addition to passport and photograph, a note verbale or recommendation letter issued by the sending state, international organization, or authorized body must be submitted.
  • In applications supported by a natural person or entity in Pakistan, a letter indicating that the sponsor accepts responsibility for the duration of the stay may be required. The sponsor's Pakistan identity document, passport copy, address proof, or entity registration may be requested.
  • In files where sponsor biometric verification is applicable, the Pakistani citizen sponsor must complete facial verification through the Pak-ID application. The system mandates sponsor biometrics 'where applicable'.
  • From applicants under eighteen years of age, a birth certificate, the parents' passport or identity documents, and a parental consent letter may be required. Some missions require a notarized consent letter signed by both parents. In single-parent situations, a custody decision, divorce certificate, or other legal documents may be requested.
  • Notarization, consular legalization, apostille, or translation into English or Urdu of birth and marriage certificates may vary by visa type and the examining mission. A single translation, notary, or apostille standard applied to all applications is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The application fee is calculated based on nationality, visa category, single or multiple entry option, and validity period. There is no single fee applicable to all applicants. The exact fee is generated in the online fee calculator.
  • Payment is made online with a valid credit or debit card. Fees are non-refundable as a rule. The card may need to be enabled for online and international payments.
  • For a tourist visa, an initial application for a single entry of up to three months may be made. In tourist extension applications, a multiple entry option of up to six months may be available. The official target processing time for an initial tourist visa is generally 7 to 10 business days.
  • For family visit applications, the target time may be 7 to 10 business days or approximately four weeks depending on the subcategory. Family visit visas may provide validity of up to five years and a stay of up to one year per entry in eligible files.
  • A business visa may be issued with validity of up to five years and multiple entries. Processing time may vary from 24 working hours to four weeks depending on the application subgroup.
  • For student and general employment visas, the official target processing time is generally four weeks. A student visa may be issued for two years in eligible files.
  • The official target processing time for a short-term medical visa is 48 working hours. Long-term medical visa or extension processes may take four to six weeks.
  • If the application is returned for review, the applicant must submit the requested corrections or additional documents within seven days. An application not resubmitted within this period may be cancelled by the system. When a resubmission is made, the processing time may start from the beginning.
  • The competent authority may request additional documents, sponsor verification, or a personal interview. The applicant should regularly check the portal's review section.
  • When the visa is approved, the electronic Visa Grant Notice must be downloaded. Travel should only take place after obtaining a valid electronic visa document. The passport number, name, validity, number of entries, and duration of stay on the visa document must be checked before travel.
  • The validity period of the visa refers to the period during which it may be used for entry into the country; the duration of stay refers to the time that may be spent in Pakistan after entry. The duration of stay is calculated from the date of entry.
  • Travel health insurance is not mandatory in all e-visa categories. A common minimum insurance coverage is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A common vaccination certificate or health document requirement applicable to all applicants is not definitively specified on the central visa portal. Health or vaccination requirements may vary depending on the traveler's country of origin, current public health decisions, or application type.

Visa on Arrival Requirements

  • Pakistan's visa on arrival procedure should not be used as an unconditional and pre-application-free system. Eligible travelers must complete the online Visa Prior to Arrival or Electronic Authorization to Travel process before travel.
  • The applicant must carry their valid passport and the pre-issued electronic ETA or Visa Grant Notice document. If the electronic travel authorization is defined as a visa in itself, the conditions on the document apply; if defined as an ETA, it grants the right to travel to Pakistan and request a visa on arrival at the authorized immigration counter.
  • The name, passport number, nationality, validity, and entry information on the document must match the passport. Traveling with an incorrect passport number or a different passport may result in refusal of entry.
  • In the pre-application, a digital photograph and the biographical data page of the passport must be provided. The passport must generally be valid for at least six months. The number of blank passport pages is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • The document issued under Visa Prior to Arrival is generally valid for 90 days and multiple entry. The exact duration of stay and entry conditions must be checked from the information written on the electronic document.
  • The current Visa Prior to Arrival practice is free of charge and the official target processing time is 24 working hours. The traveler must not commence travel towards Pakistan before obtaining the approval document.
  • Holders of Visa Prior to Arrival are not permitted to enter or exit through the Chaman and Torkham land border crossings. Travel must be carried out through an authorized airport, seaport, or border checkpoint that accepts this document.
  • Immigration officers may re-examine the traveler's identity, passport, electronic approval document, and travel purpose. An electronic travel authorization or Visa Grant Notice does not constitute a guarantee of unconditional admission to the country.
  • A return ticket, accommodation document, bank statement, and travel health insurance are not specified in the central official source as common requirements for all visa on arrival files. The system may request additional documents based on the application profile or travel purpose.

Consular Visa Application Requirements

  • Pakistan has generally discontinued manual visa processing and started processing most applications through the Pakistan Online Visa System. However, applicants who are not accepted by the online system, are subject to a special visa policy, or are directed to manual processing by the relevant foreign mission must follow the consular procedure.
  • In a manual application, the application form published by the relevant Pakistan embassy or consulate must be filled in completely and signed where required. Some specific application forms are required to be filled in block capitals and with no fields left blank.
  • General consular checklists require the original and a photocopy of the valid passport, as well as two recent passport-size photographs. The photograph size is specified as 45 × 35 millimeters at some missions.
  • Most foreign missions require the passport to be valid for at least six months. A one-year validity requirement may apply to some specific passport holder groups. Therefore, there is no single minimum passport validity period applicable to all consular applications.
  • The number of blank pages required in the passport is not definitively specified in the central official source. A requirement for a machine-readable or biometric passport has also not been published as a common requirement for all consular files.
  • A residence permit, residence card, work permit, student card, or similar document showing that the applicant legally resides in the mission's jurisdiction may be required.
  • In manual applications for tourist or visit purposes, flight information, travel itinerary, hotel reservation, or invitation letter may be requested. For travel upon invitation, the host's Pakistan identity document, passport copy, address, and contact information may be required.
  • For a family visit, a birth certificate, marriage certificate, identity and passport documents showing Pakistani origin or family ties may be required. For children, parental identity documents, birth certificate, and consent letter may be requested.
  • For a business application, an invitation letter from the company in Pakistan, company registration, chamber of commerce recommendation, and a letter of introduction or assignment from the applicant's employer may be requested.
  • For a transit application, a valid visa or entry permit for the next country, confirmed onward ticket, transit dates, and details of the stopover in Pakistan may be requested.
  • Proof of financial sufficiency, the period of the bank statement, and minimum account balance vary by the mission applied to. A common minimum amount applicable to all consular applications is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • Translation into English or Urdu, notarization, consular legalization, or authentication of documents may vary by mission and document type. A common central authentication standard has not been published.
  • The application fee varies by the passport holder's status, visa type, number of entries, and mission. The fee may be collected via bank deposit, bank receipt, cash, card, or another method determined by the mission. The exact fee and payment method must be checked with the mission being applied to.
  • Processing time varies by mission and whether the file requires security or institutional approval. Some missions state 7 to 10 business days, while exact processing time is not given for special files.
  • The applicant may be called for a personal interview. In special application groups, physical application, additional security form, or detailed travel itinerary may be required.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • A traveler who will enter the country for a short period by passing through Pakistan border control or continue their journey to another country must obtain an appropriate transit visa before travel.
  • The application may require a valid passport, photograph, completed application form, confirmed onward ticket or travel itinerary, and a valid visa or immigration permit showing entry entitlement to the final destination country.
  • The application form may require information such as the final destination country, entry and exit dates for Pakistan, means of transport to be used, stopover location in Pakistan, and address during transit.
  • The passport must be valid for at least six months in most official foreign mission practices. A longer validity requirement may apply in specific transit policies. A common blank passport page for all transit applications is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • If applying from a third country outside Pakistan, a residence permit or residence card showing legal residence in the country of application may be required.
  • If accommodation is to be used during transit, hotel reservation or address information of the inviting person may be requested. The financial sufficiency amount, bank statement period, and travel health insurance coverage are not definitively specified in the central official source as common for all transit applications.
  • In the Transit/Transport Work Visa subcategory for road transport, a photograph, passport, valid temporary admission document issued by the contracting authorities, and an employment letter from the registered transport company are required. These documents apply only to the relevant transport subcategory.
  • The validity period of the transit visa, the number of permitted entries, and the time that may be spent in Pakistan may vary by passport, route, and the mission applied to. A common duration applicable to all transit travelers is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A transit visa may only be used for the purpose of passage through Pakistan to another country. It cannot be used for tourism, business, employment, or any other long-term activity.
  • The fee varies based on nationality and reciprocity. The exact transit visa fee must be learned from the online fee calculator or the foreign mission applied to.
  • The competent authority may verify the visa for the next country, flight or transport reservation, travel purpose, and transit dates; it may request additional documents or an interview.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • A traveler who will enter the country for a short period by passing through Pakistan border control or continue their journey to another country must obtain an appropriate transit visa before travel.
  • The application may require a valid passport, photograph, completed application form, confirmed onward ticket or travel itinerary, and a valid visa or immigration permit showing entry entitlement to the final destination country.
  • The application form may require information such as the final destination country, entry and exit dates for Pakistan, means of transport to be used, stopover location in Pakistan, and address during transit.
  • The passport must be valid for at least six months in most official foreign mission practices. A longer validity requirement may apply in specific transit policies. A common blank passport page for all transit applications is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • If applying from a third country outside Pakistan, a residence permit or residence card showing legal residence in the country of application may be required.
  • If accommodation is to be used during transit, hotel reservation or address information of the inviting person may be requested. The financial sufficiency amount, bank statement period, and travel health insurance coverage are not definitively specified in the central official source as common for all transit applications.
  • In the Transit/Transport Work Visa subcategory for road transport, a photograph, passport, valid temporary admission document issued by the contracting authorities, and an employment letter from the registered transport company are required. These documents apply only to the relevant transport subcategory.
  • The validity period of the transit visa, the number of permitted entries, and the time that may be spent in Pakistan may vary by passport, route, and the mission applied to. A common duration applicable to all transit travelers is not definitively specified in the central official source.
  • A transit visa may only be used for the purpose of passage through Pakistan to another country. It cannot be used for tourism, business, employment, or any other long-term activity.
  • The fee varies based on nationality and reciprocity. The exact transit visa fee must be learned from the online fee calculator or the foreign mission applied to.
  • The competent authority may verify the visa for the next country, flight or transport reservation, travel purpose, and transit dates; it may request additional documents or an interview.
Population
259,299,791(2026 est.)
Official language
Urdu, English
Government type
Federal parliamentary republic
Continent
Asia
Capital
Islamabad
Currency
Pakistani rupee
Area
881,913 km²
Phone code
+92

Pakistan: Key Destinations

Islamabad serves as the capital and a primary gateway for travelers arriving by air. Karachi, the largest city, is the financial hub with the country's busiest airport. Lahore, known for its cultural heritage, offers significant historical attractions.

Pakistan features a rich cultural landscape with ancient sites like Mohenjo-daro and modern business centers in Karachi. The northern regions, including the Hunza Valley and Gilgit-Baltistan, attract visitors with their dramatic mountain scenery.

Many travelers start in Islamabad or Lahore and then connect to the northern areas via the Karakoram Highway. Internal flights and road networks link major cities like Karachi and Peshawar for regional exploration.