Planning a trip to Pakistan? Understanding the visa process is an important part of preparing for your journey. Pakistan has an online visa system that allows eligible travelers to apply for visas electronically.
Depending on your nationality and purpose of travel, you may be eligible for a Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA), an online visa, or another visa category available through Pakistan’s official visa system.
The Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) facility is available to citizens of eligible countries for certain types of travel, including tourism. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that eligible VPA applications are free and normally processed within 24 hours.
For travelers who need to apply for a regular visa, the application is submitted through Pakistan’s online visa system. Applicants should select the correct visa category and provide the required information and supporting documents.
This Pakistan visa guide explains the current visa process, including tourist visas, Visa Prior to Arrival, online applications, visa requirements, fees, supporting documents and important travel information.
Visa rules, eligibility and fees can change, so travelers should always check the latest requirements on Pakistan’s official visa portal before making travel arrangements or booking flights.
Pakistan is home to spectacular mountains, valleys, lakes and historic sites. Before planning your itinerary, explore our guide to places to visit in Pakistan.
Official Pakistan Visa Portal: Apply for a Pakistan Visa
Pakistan Visa 2026: What Travelers Need to Know
Pakistan’s visa system has been significantly simplified through its online visa platform. Depending on nationality and visa category, eligible travelers may apply online for a visa or use the Visa Prior to Arrival facility.
The Visa Prior to Arrival facility currently covers citizens of 126 countries for eligible tourism, business and Sikh pilgrimage travel. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the VPA is free and is normally processed within 24 hours.
Travelers should check their nationality and visa category on the official Pakistan Online Visa System before making travel arrangements.
Apply for Pakistan Visa – Official Portal
Types of Pakistan Visas
Pakistan offers several visa categories depending on the purpose of travel. For tourists, the most relevant options are the Tourist Visa and, where eligible, Visa Prior to Arrival.
Tourist Visa
The Pakistan Tourist Visa is intended for foreign nationals visiting Pakistan for tourism and sightseeing. Eligible applicants can apply through the Pakistan Online Visa System and must provide the information and supporting documents required for their application.
Visa Prior to Arrival allows eligible citizens to obtain authorization before traveling to Pakistan without paying a visa fee. Eligibility depends on nationality and the purpose of travel, so applicants should confirm their eligibility through the official Pakistan Online Visa System.
Other Visa Categories
Pakistan also offers visa categories for purposes such as business, employment, study, family visits, pilgrimage and other specific types of travel. Applicants should select the category that accurately matches their purpose of visiting Pakistan.
Visa Requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the type of visa requested. Applicants should provide accurate information and upload the documents requested by the Pakistan Online Visa System.
Common Documents Required
- Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Completed online visa application
- Proof of travel or accommodation, where required
- Supporting documents relevant to the selected visa category
- Additional documents requested by the visa authorities, where applicable
Requirements can differ by nationality and visa category. Check the official online application system for the exact documents required for your application.
How to Apply for a Pakistan Visa
Pakistan visa applications are submitted online through the official Pakistan Online Visa System. Applicants should carefully select the appropriate visa category and complete the application with accurate information.
- Visit the official Pakistan Online Visa System.
- Create an account or sign in.
- Select the appropriate visa category.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload the required documents and photograph.
- Review all information carefully before submitting the application.
- Pay the applicable visa fee, if required.
- Submit the application and monitor its status through the online system.
Applicants should regularly check the Review section of their online application. If additional information or corrections are requested, the applicant should respond within 7 days; otherwise, the application may be automatically cancelled.
Pakistan Visa Fees
Visa fees depend on the applicant’s nationality, visa category, number of entries and duration. Some eligible Visa Prior to Arrival applications are free, while regular online visa applications may require payment through the Pakistan Online Visa System. Visa fees are generally non-refundable.
How Much Does a Pakistan Visa Cost?
The cost of a Pakistan visa varies according to the applicant’s nationality, visa category, number of entries and duration. Some Visa Prior to Arrival applications are free, while other visa applications require payment of the applicable fee. The official Pakistan Online Visa System displays the applicable fee during the application process.
For the latest visa fees, always check the official Pakistan Online Visa System before submitting an application.
Pakistan Visa Processing Time
Processing time varies according to the visa category and individual application. Applicants should not make non-refundable travel arrangements before receiving a valid visa. Some applications can be processed within 1–2 working days, while others may take longer depending on the circumstances and visa category.
If an application is returned for review or additional information, the applicant should respond through the online system promptly. The processing period may restart after the application is resubmitted or completed.
Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA)
Pakistan’s Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) facility allows eligible travelers to obtain visa authorization before traveling to Pakistan. It is available to citizens of eligible countries for specific purposes, including tourism.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, eligible VPA applications are free of charge and are normally processed within 24 hours. Eligibility depends on nationality and the purpose of travel.
Who Can Use Visa Prior to Arrival?
The Visa Prior to Arrival facility is currently available to citizens of 126 countries for eligible Business, Tourist and Sikh Pilgrimage travel. Eligibility depends on nationality and the purpose of travel. Because the eligible-country list and visa policies can change, travelers should verify their eligibility through Pakistan’s official visa system before applying.
How to Check VPA Eligibility
Visit the official Pakistan Online Visa System and select the Visa Prior to Arrival option to check whether your nationality and travel purpose qualify. The official system provides the current eligibility information and application process.
Check Visa Prior to Arrival Eligibility
Is Visa on Arrival Still Available in Pakistan?
Pakistan’s current visa system uses the Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) facility for eligible travelers rather than the older visa-on-arrival process described in many older travel guides. Travelers should check the official Pakistan Online Visa System to determine which facility applies to their nationality and purpose of travel.
Do not rely on older visa-on-arrival information found online. Visa policies, eligible nationalities and application procedures can change, so always verify the current requirements through Pakistan’s official visa portal before traveling.
Common Documents Required
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- A recent passport-size photograph
- Completed online visa application
- Supporting documents required for the selected visa category
- Invitation letter or hotel booking, where applicable
- Any additional documents requested during the application process
Important Document Requirements
Applicants should upload clear, complete and readable documents. The exact supporting documents depend on the visa category and the applicant’s circumstances. The Pakistan Online Visa System specifies the required documents for each category during the application process.
Make sure your passport details, name and other information exactly match your passport before submitting the application. If an application is returned for review, corrections or additional documents should be submitted through the online system within the specified period.
Health and Entry Requirements
Travelers should check the latest health and entry requirements before traveling to Pakistan, as these can change independently of visa requirements. In addition to visa documentation, travelers may need vaccination certificates or other health documentation in specific circumstances, such as requirements related to particular diseases or countries of departure.
Pakistan Tourist Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
The validity and permitted duration of stay depend on the visa granted to the applicant. A visa’s validity determines the period during which it can be used to enter Pakistan, while the permitted stay begins from the date of arrival. The exact duration is determined according to the applicant’s circumstances and visa category.
Can a Pakistan Tourist Visa Be Extended?
Yes. A traveler may apply for an extension of the relevant visa category while residing in Pakistan, subject to the applicable rules and approval. The extension should be requested through the official online visa system.
Pakistan Visa Approval and Visa Grant Notice
Once a visa application is processed, applicants can check its status through the Pakistan Online Visa System. If the application is approved, the applicant receives a Visa Grant Notice (VGN) electronically. Travelers should keep a copy of the Visa Grant Notice available when traveling to Pakistan.
Do I Need to Send My Passport to the Embassy?
For online visa applications, applicants generally do not need to submit their passport to a Pakistani embassy for visa stamping. The Visa Grant Notice is issued electronically after approval. However, travelers must carry their valid original passport when entering Pakistan.
Entering Pakistan After Your Visa Is Approved
Before traveling, make sure you have your valid passport and Visa Grant Notice available. Immigration authorities may check your travel documents and other entry requirements when you arrive in Pakistan.
Important Travel Tips
- Apply through the official Pakistan Online Visa System.
- Check that your passport details match your visa application.
- Keep your Visa Grant Notice accessible while traveling.
- Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
- Check the latest entry and health requirements before departure.
- Keep copies of important travel documents during your trip.
If you’re planning to explore the northwest of the country, our guide to places to visit in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can help you plan your itinerary.
Do I need a visa to visit Pakistan?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Eligible travelers may qualify for Visa Prior to Arrival, while others need to apply through the Pakistan Online Visa System.
How long does a Pakistan visa take to process?
Processing times vary by visa category and application. Eligible Visa Prior to Arrival applications are normally processed within 24 hours, while other applications may take longer.
Can I apply for a Pakistan visa online?
Yes. Pakistan provides an official online visa application system through which eligible travelers can apply for various visa categories.
Is the Pakistan Visa Prior to Arrival free?
Yes, eligible Visa Prior to Arrival applications are free of charge. Eligibility depends on nationality and the purpose of travel.
How can I check my Pakistan visa application status?
Applicants can log in to the Pakistan Online Visa System to check the status of their application and respond to any requests for additional information or corrections.
Can I extend my Pakistan visa?
Visa extensions may be available depending on the visa category and the applicant’s circumstances. Applications should be submitted through the official online visa system while the traveler is in Pakistan.
How much does a Pakistan visa cost?
Visa fees vary according to nationality, visa category, number of entries and duration. Eligible Visa Prior to Arrival applications are free, while other applications may require a fee.
Final Tips Before Applying for a Pakistan Visa
Always use the official Pakistan Online Visa System, provide accurate information, upload clear documents and check your application regularly. Visa policies can change, so verify the latest requirements before making travel arrangements.
