Visa Types

Visa Types & Categories to Apply for Pakistan

You can realize your planned trip to Pakistan by obtaining a Pakistan visa. Foreign nationals can apply for Pakistan short-term visas (tourist visa, e-visa, visa on arrival) for temporary reasons (tourism, business, cultural, and other short-term purposes). If you want to stay in Pakistan for a longer period for some reason (such as study, employment, etc.) you can also apply for Pakistan long-term visas.

Pakistan E-visa

Pakistan E-visa is an online way to obtain a visa to realize a trip to Pakistan.

Pakistan has an E-visa for tourism and business purposes only, e-Visas are issued online. An e-Visa is issued within 48-72 working hours, is valid for up to 3 months.

After completion of the online application form and payment of the processing fee, you will receive your e-visa by email within 3 working days, depending on the visa processing status you have chosen.

Sometimes embassy/consulate may require an additional interview process at their embassy/consulate after finalizing your e-visa application. Despite it rarely happens, it totally depends on the embassy/consulate’s choice. In this case, they will inform you in advance.

 

Eligibility

Citizens from all countries except below are eligible for Pakistan E-visa:

  • Armenia
  • India
  • Israel
  • Somalia

You can get additional information from here.

 

Required Documents for Pakistan E-visa

 

1. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

3. Invitation Letter or Hotel Booking

4. When You Arrive in Pakistan, You must Present also:

  • Printed Pakistan e-visa
  • Travel Itinerary including:
    • Flight reservation
    • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)
    • Invitation letter (if any)

 

Processing Time for Pakistan E-visa

The average processing time for Pakistan e-visa is 1-3 working days.

 

Pakistan E-visa Application Fee

Pakistan E-visa fee is 8-120 USD (it can vary depending on your country and nationality) for a single-entry visa, and applicants can also pay an additional fee for urgent processing. You can get exact information about fees here.   

 

Where to Apply for Pakistan E-visa Application?

You will apply to Pakistan e-visa online. You can apply for an e-visa through this website.

Pakistan Visa on Arrival

You can get a Pakistan Visa on Arrival for tourism and business purposes. The duration of the visa will be 30 days. You can extend your visa within Pakistan on the same online system.

You must submit your online application at least 48-72 working hours before your trip to Pakistan to receive your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). After receiving your ETA, you can travel to Pakistan.

 
Pakistan Tourist Visa on Arrival

Eligible nationals for Tourist Visa on Arrival are the followings:

 

Angola

Costa Rica

South Korea

Nepal

Singapore

Tunisia

Argentina

Finland

Kuwait

New Zealand

Spain

Turkey

Austria

Germany

Lithuania

Oman

Sri Lanka

UAE

Azerbaijan

Ghana

Luxembourg

Paraguay
​​​​

Switzerland

Western Samoa

Bahamas

Iceland

Malaysia

Qatar

Tajikistan

Zambia

Bahrain

Indonesia

Maldives

Rwanda

Tanzania

 

Barbados

Italy

Malta

St. Kitts and Nevis

Thailand

 

Botswana

Japan

Monaco

St. Lucia

Tonga

 

Brunei

Jordan

Mozambique

Saudi Arabia

Trinidad & Tobago

 

 
Pakistan Business Visa on Arrival

For business purposes, the list for people who can obtain a Visa on Arrival is longer, but those must be able to prove their purpose to enter the country is real. If you have an ordinary passport issued by one of the eligible nations, you can get a Pakistan Visa on arrival for business. You can get a list of eligible nationals here.

 

Required Documents for Pakistan Visa on Arrival

 

1. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

2. Photo

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

3. Invitation Letter or Other Documents Related to Your Business Trip (for business purposes)

4. Hotel Booking or Supporting Documents from Your Tour Agency (for tourism purposes)

 

Pakistan Visa on Arrival Fee

Pakistan Visa on Arrival fee is 20-80 USD (it can vary depending on your country and nationality) for a single-entry visa, and applicants can also pay an additional fee for urgent processing. You can get exact information about fees here.   

 

Where to Apply for Pakistan Visa on Arrival Application?

You will apply for Pakistan Visa on Arrival ETA online. You can apply for Visa on Arrival ETA through this website (official governmental website).

Pakistan Tourist Visa

If your nationality isn’t eligible for Pakistan E-visa or Visa on Arrival, you can also apply for a short-term Pakistan Tourist visa on paper for realizing your trip to Pakistan. Pakistan Tourist visa is issued for applicants intending to visit Pakistan for tourism and sightseeing. You can apply for a Pakistan Tourist visa to realize your tourist activities.

 

Required Documents for Pakistan Tourist Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card

  • Validity minimum of three months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of three months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

9. Proof of Financial Means

  • Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
    • A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least 3 last months)
    • Credit card
    • Cash
    • Traveler’s cheques
    • Payslips
    • Proof of employment
    • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
    • Proof of prepaid accommodation
    • Document about accommodation in private
    • Proof of prepaid transport
    • Other

10. For Minors:

  • Copy of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
  • Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if travelling unaccompanied.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Pakistan Tourist Visa

The average processing time for a Pakistan Tourist visa is 5-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Pakistan Tourist Visa Fee

Pakistan Tourist visa fee is 25-100 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission. You can get exact information about fees here.    

 

Where to Apply for Pakistan Tourist Visa?

You will apply for a Pakistan Tourist visa in Pakistan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 

Pakistan Business Visa

Pakistan Business visa gives you the authorization to enter Pakistan and stay here for a maximum period of your visa validity, as permitted. It permits its holder to engage in business-related activities such as attending meetings or conferences, conducting or attending the training, conducting internal audits, installing equipment, or performing other temporary services for a client, local affiliate, or branch office.

 

Required Documents for Pakistan Business Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself 

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

  • Validity minimum of three months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of three months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

9. Proof of Financial Means

  • Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
    • A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least 3 last months)
    • Credit card
    • Cash
    • Traveller’s cheques
    • Payslips
    • Proof of employment
    • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
    • Proof of prepaid accommodation
    • Document about accommodation in private
    • Proof of prepaid transport
    • Other

10. Documents Reflecting the Nature of the Business Trip and the Existence of Business Relations

  • Invitation letter from company/authority/sponsor in Pakistan with full address, stating the purpose and duration of the business trip and/or
  • Information on event/congress/trade fair being visited in Pakistan with details of organizer/host, with full address in Pakistan, duration of the event, and reason to participate (e.g., visitor ticket for trade fair).
    • If applicable, including information about who covers the expenses of the business trip in Pakistan.
  • Only applicable if fair exhibitor: Information on trade fair by submitting exhibitor ticket/exhibitor invoice/confirmation letter reflecting status as trade fair exhibitor.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Pakistan Business Visa

The average processing time for a Pakistan Business visa is 5-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Pakistan Business Visa Fee

Pakistan Business visa fee is 25-100 USD for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission. You can get exact information about fees here.    

 

Where to Apply for Pakistan Business Visa?

You can apply for a Pakistan Business visa online here and also in Pakistan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 

Pakistan Family Visit Visa

A short stay Family/friend Visit visa is a type of Tourist visa, and it allows you to travel to Pakistan for visiting your family or friends who legally residing in Pakistan for up to the expiration date of your visa validity.

Pakistan Family Visit visa is valid for up to 5 years with up to 1-year stay on each entry.

 

Required Documents for Pakistan Family Visit Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

  • Validity minimum of two months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of two months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

  • Flight reservation
  • Valid (existing) hotel/accommodation booking/reservation with the full address (name, street, city, zip code, contact information, booking ref.)

8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)
  • Copy of sponsor’s valid passport and residence visa (if any) to be attached to letter from sponsor (if an applicant is a dependent)

9. Proof of Financial Means

  • Generally, there are several recognized ways to prove your financial sufficiency:
    • A personal bank statement indicating your financial movements (for at least 3 last months)
    • Credit card
    • Cash
    • Traveler’s cheques
    • Payslips
    • Proof of employment
    • Supporting document to attest sponsor’s readiness to cover your expenses during your stay
    • Proof of prepaid accommodation
    • Document about accommodation in private
    • Proof of prepaid transport
    • Other

10. Proof of Visit / Accommodation:

  • Letter of invitation
  • Documents proving kinship (Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, etc.)
  • A document confirming the status of the inviting person in Pakistan
  • If the invitee stays at the inviting person’s home, documents about the house (contract, payment for utilities, etc.)

11. For Minors:

  • Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
  • Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if travelling unaccompanied.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Pakistan Family Visit Visa

The average processing time for a Pakistan Family Visit visa is 5-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Pakistan Family Visit Visa Fee

Pakistan Family Visit visa fee is 20-100 USD for foreign nationals (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). You can get exact information about fees here.   

 

Where to Apply for Pakistan Family Visit Visa?

You can apply for a Pakistan Family Visit visa online here and also in Pakistan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Pakistan Work Visa

This visa is intended to permit foreign nationals to obtain a Work visa, allowing them to stay in Pakistan for a longer period. This visa applies to those who want to work within the legal frame of employment upon taking an employment permit and the work permit as per appointed procedure from competent regional authorities.

Pakistan Work visa is issued for 1 year, and it is extendable on yearly basis subject to approval.

 

Required Documents for Pakistan Work Visa

 

1. Application Form 

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself 

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

  • Validity minimum of two months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of two months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas/ Pakistan resident permit

7. Original Employment Letter from the Applicant's Employer in Pakistan

  • On the official company paper with stamp and signature, date and clearly mentioning: full address and contact details of the company, the name, and position of the countersigning officer, details regarding the employment of the applicant (e.g., position, salary, estimated duration), details regarding additional conditions of employment (e.g., accommodation, transport, living expenses).

        In the Case of International Transfer of the Employee:

  • A letter from the current employer confirming the transfer and approving the leave/absence of the applicant

8. Curriculum Vitae (CV) Of Professional Career, Specifying the Certificates, Diplomas, and Qualifications You Have Obtained

9. Proof of Accommodation

  • Accommodation (if not indicated in the invitation or contract) - Confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, apartment) reservation mentioning applicant’s name, dates, and accommodation address details.

10. Covering Letter on Company’s Letter Head

11. SECP Registration Letter of the Company

12. Company Profile

13. FBR NTN Certificate of the Company

14. Recommendation Letter by BOI/MOI (In case of Extension)

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Pakistan Work Visa

The average processing time for a Pakistan Work visa is 4 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Pakistan Work Visa Fee

Pakistan Work visa fee is 20-150 USD for foreign nationals (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). You can get exact information about fees here.   

 

Where to Apply for Pakistan Work Visa?

You can apply for a Pakistan Work visa online here and also in Pakistan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

 

Pakistan Student Visa

This visa is intended to permit foreign nationals to obtain a Student visa, allowing them to stay in Pakistan for a longer period. This visa applies to those who are admitted to the state college or state university in Pakistan.

Pakistan Student visa is granted for 2 years, and it is extendable within Pakistan.

 

Required Documents for Pakistan Student Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors below the age of 18)

2. Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least one or two free “visa pages.”
  • Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Two Photos        

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
  • 3.8x4.6 size

4. ID Card

  • Validity minimum of two months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

  • Validity minimum of two months beyond the date of your departure from Pakistan.

6. Photocopies

  • Copy of the main page of your passport
  • Copies of previous visas/Pakistan resident permit

7. Confirmed University Admission (or Bonafide Letter)

  • Admission letter issued by an educational institution (school/college/university) accredited in Pakistan
    • Must state language of instruction
    • Must contain the start and end dates of the course
  • Those in full-time education should submit a letter from their education establishment, clearly indicating the course of studies being followed.
  • Letter from the Institute undertaking the student's return to the country of residence upon completion of the study.

8. NOC from HEC/Economic Affairs Division/IPC/Health Ministry/Education Ministry

9. Proof of Accommodation in Pakistan

  • Document confirming the availability in Pakistan of appropriate accommodation for the intended period of stay (documents shall contain information about the cost of living; the costs for a full period or monthly payment must be indicated)

10. Documents Confirming the Sufficient Financial Resources (of Applicant or Sponsor)

  • Traveller’s cheque
  • Original bank statement for the past 3 months
  • Certificate of the amount of the credit card limit issued by the bank (any bank located in Pakistan or another country is allowed)
  • A certificate of availability of money in a bank or a cooperative savings and loan association located on the territory of Pakistan (it cannot be a bank located in your country)
  • A document confirming granting of a national or foreign scholarship
  • A certificate of employment with a monthly salary statement

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Pakistan Student Visa

The average processing time for a Pakistan Student visa is 4 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Pakistan Student Visa Fee

Pakistan Student visa fee is 20-150 USD for foreign nationals (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). You can get exact information about fees here.   

 
Where to Apply for Pakistan Student Visa?

You can apply for a Pakistan Student visa online here and also in Pakistan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

FAQ

I am from a country whose citizens do not need a visa to enter Pakistan. Can I experience any problems at the border, while entering Pakistan?

You must meet certain requirements to enter Pakistan, even if you are not required a visa:

  • The purpose of your trip to Pakistan must be plausible and comprehensible.
  • Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in Pakistan
  • You must be able to finance your own living and travel costs
  • You must hold a confirmed return flight, to prove that you are prepared to leave Pakistan before the allowed period of stay ends
  • You must have travel health insurance for the whole duration of your stay in Pakistan
  • You must not pose a threat to security or public order
 

Can I get a residence permit for Pakistan at the Consulate General?

No, you cannot get a residence permit for Pakistan at the embassy or consulate of Pakistan. You should get a long-term visa, then apply to residence permit after your arrival to Pakistan.

What happens if my Pakistan visa application is rejected?

If your Pakistan visa application is rejected, you will be notified by your mission that your application has been unsuccessful. You will be informed of the grounds on which it was rejected and have one month to appeal the decision by writing to the Pakistan mission. Your application will then be reconsidered. You can also apply to visa again, if your circumstances are changed.

Will my fees be refunded if my visa is refused?

All fees are non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa application is not successful.

Can I extend the validity of my Pakistan visa?

Yes, most of the visas are extendable within Pakistan.

Do I have to participate in the embassy or Visa Administrative Center in person, if I am not applying to e-visa?

It depends on your country of residence or the embassy/consulate/Visa Administrative Center’s rules and obligations.  In some countries, sending your documents via courier is enough to the embassy/consulate/Visa Administrative Center.

Can I get a refusal for my e-visa application?

Despite it rarely happens, it is possible to get a refusal from the Pakistan e-visa application.

Can the embassy/consulate require any additional process?

When you apply for an e-visa embassy/consulate may require an additional interview process at their embassy/consulate. Despite it rarely happens, it depends on the consulate’s choice.