Planning a trip to Pakistan? By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which visa to apply for, how to navigate the online system, what special rules might apply based on your nationality, and how to make the most of your stay once your visa arrives.
Visa Categories Explained
Pakistan offers several visa classes. Pick the one that aligns with your purpose:
- Tourist Visa: Standard for sightseeing
- Business Visa: For trade meetings, exhibitions
- Family Visit Visa: To see relatives living in Pakistan
- Student Visa: For studies at Pakistani institutions
- Journalist Visa: Accredited media coverage
- Diplomatic & Official Visas
You may also encounter:
– Visa-Free Entry: For citizens of Maldives and Seychelles, as detailed in the Visa policy of Pakistan article on Wikipedia
– Visa on Arrival: Select nationalities eligible for a 30-day stay, according to the BBC Travel guide to Pakistan visas
– Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Short visits for approved countries, per the UK Government’s entry requirements for Pakistan
Applying Through the Online Portal
Most applicants use the Pakistan Online Visa System to submit documents and pay fees.
- Create an account at the Pakistan Online Visa portal by VFS Global
- Select your visa type and fill in personal details.
- Upload required documents (see next section).
- Pay visa fees via debit/credit card.
- Track your application online until approval.
Average processing times range from 5 to 10 business days depending on your nationality, according to data from iVisa’s Pakistan visa overview.
Document Checklist
- Passport with at least six months’ validity
- Recent passport-style photograph (2×2 inches)
- Cover letter stating trip purpose
- Hotel booking or invitation letter from host
- Bank statement showing adequate funds
- Any additional forms requested for special categories
Fees, Validity, Extensions
Visa fees vary by nationality and visa class. Here’s a typical fee schedule for a single-entry tourist visa:
| Nationality Group | Fee (USD) | Validity |
|—————————–|———-:|————:|
| Group A (e.g., US, UK) | 60 | 3 months |
| Group B (e.g., EU Schengen) | 50 | 3 months |
| Group C (e.g., South Asia) | 30 | 3 months |
Extensions up to six months may be granted by the Immigration Office in Islamabad or Karachi, as outlined on the Pakistan Immigration & Passports official site. Tracking your visa status online helps you plan any extension well before expiry.
Country-Specific Restrictions and Scrutiny
- If you’re an Indian passport holder, you must apply for a Pakistan visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad rather than the online system.
- Travel by land between India and Pakistan is limited to the Wagah border and requires additional security clearance, per reporting by Al Jazeera on Wagah border crossings.
- Applicants from Afghanistan and certain African states face added background checks and extended processing times of 4–6 weeks, according to analysis by The Diplomat on Pakistan’s visa tightening.
Specialized Visa Programs
Pakistan has introduced visa options catering to niche travelers:
- Religious Tourism Visa for Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. Pilgrims receive a free 30-day visa and must register in advance via the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Trust.
- Adventure Tourism Visa launched as a pilot in Gilgit-Baltistan, allowing trekking groups access to restricted valleys with licensed guides, as reported by the Pakistan Tribune on the pilot program.
- Group Tourism Pilot invites tour operators to organize minimum-10-person trips to cultural heritage sites under a single group application.
Visitor Trends and Impact of e-Visa
International arrivals jumped from 450,000 in 2015 to over 1.1 million in 2022, a 144% rise in seven years, according to the UNWTO country profile for Pakistan. The rollout of the e-visa system in 2019 is credited with:
- Reducing average wait time by 40%, per a World Bank study on e-visa efficiency
- Increasing approval rates for first-time applicants
- Boosting satisfaction scores in independent surveys
“The e-visa platform has transformed how travelers plan Pakistan visits,” said a Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation official in a press release on the Ministry of Tourism website.
Local Support: Guides and Tour Operators
Access to regions like Gilgit-Baltistan or the Chitral valley often requires permits and approved guides. The Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Corporation issues NOCs and certifies local agencies, as outlined on the official GBTDC website. Working with these operators ensures:
- Smooth permit processing
- Insider knowledge of remote treks
- Liaison with security forces in sensitive border areas
Insurance, Safety and Cultural Brief
- Most insurers recommend coverage up to USD 100,000 for medical evacuation, as advised by World Nomads’ Pakistan travel insurance guide.
- Always carry proof of insurance at immigration checkpoints.
- Dress modestly: men should avoid sleeveless tops; women are advised to cover arms and legs and wear a headscarf when visiting religious sites, according to the U.S. State Department’s Pakistan travel page.
- Handshakes between men and women in public may be declined; follow the lead of your host.
Ready, Steady, Travel!
You’re now equipped with the essentials—from choosing the right visa and completing the online application to understanding special rules for certain nationalities and discovering new program options. With these insights, you’re set to explore Pakistan’s mountains, valleys, vibrant cities, and centuries-old monuments as soon as your visa arrives.