Pakistan’s Family Visit Visa is designed for foreign citizens of Pakistani origin and their spouses who want to visit family members living in Pakistan. This visa allows multiple entries over a period of up to 5 years, with stays of up to 1 year on each entry. If you hold a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) or NICOP, you may not need a visa at all, but for those who do, the family visit visa is the most common route for family reunions.
What Is the Pakistan Family Visit Visa?
The Pakistan Family Visit Visa is an electronic visa category specifically created for foreign nationals of Pakistani origin and their foreign spouses. It enables family members to travel to Pakistan, visit relatives, and stay for extended periods without applying for a new visa each time.
Unlike the tourist visa, which is limited to 30 to 60 days, the family visit visa offers significantly longer validity and stay durations. It is ideal for overseas Pakistanis and their families who want to spend extended time with loved ones in Pakistan.
Who Is Eligible for a Pakistan Family Visit Visa?
Eligibility is limited to specific categories of applicants. You must be either of Pakistani origin or married to someone of Pakistani origin.
Eligible applicants
- Foreign citizens who are of Pakistani origin (born in Pakistan, holding a former Pakistan passport, or having Pakistani parentage)
- Spouses of Pakistani-origin foreign citizens
- Minor children (under 18) of Pakistani-origin applicants
Not eligible
- Foreign nationals with no Pakistani origin or Pakistani spouse
- Afghan-origin applicants (unless their spouse is Pakistani)
- Indian passport holders (they must apply through the Ministry of Interior)
If you are unsure whether you qualify, check your eligibility for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC). POC holders are exempt from visa requirements entirely.
Required Documents for a Family Visit Visa
The documents you need depend on whether you are an adult (18 and above) or a minor (under 18).
Adults (18 years and above)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
- Recent passport-size photograph meeting NADRA specifications
- Pakistani identity document (valid or expired) of your own or your immediate family member. Acceptable documents include:
- CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
- NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis)
- POC (Pakistan Origin Card)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applying as a spouse)
- Driver’s license or state ID from your country of residence
- Proof of legal residence if you are applying from a third country (not your country of citizenship or Pakistan). Upload this under the “Other” tab on the NADRA portal.
Minors (under 18 years)
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photograph
- Birth certificate showing the parent-child relationship
- Parents’ Pakistani identity document (valid or expired CNIC/NICOP/POC)
- Copy of parents’ driving license
- Notarized parents’ consent form (downloadable from the Consulate General website)
Minor children cannot travel on their parent’s passport. Each child must have their own valid visa or NICOP before traveling to Pakistan.
How to Apply for the Pakistan Family Visit Visa
The application is completed entirely online through the Pakistan Online Visa System (NADRA portal). You can apply for a new visa or an extension if you already hold a valid family visit visa.
Step-by-step application process
- Create an account on the NADRA Online Visa System. You need a Google account for two-factor authentication.
- Select the “Family Visit” visa category and choose between “First Time” (new application) or “Extension” (if you already have a valid visa).
- Fill out the application form with your personal details, passport information, and purpose of visit.
- Upload required documents including your passport scan, photograph, and Pakistani identity documents. If applying from a third country, upload proof of legal residence under the “Other” tab.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
- Submit the application and wait for processing. You will receive updates by email.
Important notes
- If your application is sent back for review, you must resubmit it within 7 days. After that, the application is automatically cancelled.
- Use the Google Chrome browser for the best experience on the NADRA portal.
- Write your full name exactly as it appears in your passport, including middle names if applicable.
- Double-check your passport number and date of birth before submitting. Errors can cause significant delays.
Pakistan Family Visit Visa Fee
The family visit visa fee is up to USD 70 for a 5-year validity period. This makes it one of the most affordable long-term visa options for Pakistan.
Fee details:
- First-time application: Maximum USD 70 for 5-year validity
- Extension: Fee varies depending on nationality and extension duration
- Fee payment: Accepted via credit or debit card through the NADRA portal
- Non-refundable: Visa fees are non-refundable regardless of whether the visa is granted, denied, or cancelled due to applicant delays
The exact fee for your nationality can be confirmed on the official fee structure page of the Pakistan Online Visa System.
Pakistan Family Visit Visa Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on the type of application and your nationality.
| Application type | Processing time |
|---|---|
| First-time entry | 7 to 10 business days |
| Visa extension | 7 to 10 business days |
| Afghanistan/Somalia passport holders | 4 weeks (first time or extension) |
If additional security checks are required, processing may take longer. Applicants from Afghanistan and Somalia should expect significantly longer processing times. Apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Pakistan Family Visit Visa Validity and Stay Duration
The family visit visa offers generous validity and stay provisions compared to tourist visas.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa validity | Up to 5 years |
| Stay per entry | Up to 1 year |
| Entry type | Multiple entry |
| Extension (Pakistani origin foreigners) | Up to 2 years |
| Extension (other foreigners) | Yearly or as per policy |
For the extension, you must be residing in Pakistan at the time of application and hold a valid Pakistani visa. The extension application is also submitted through the NADRA portal.
Pakistan Family Visit Visa Extension
If you want to extend your stay beyond the 1-year limit on your current family visit visa, you can apply for an extension through the NADRA portal while you are still in Pakistan.
Extension requirements
- You must be physically present in Pakistan at the time of application
- You must hold a valid Pakistani visa for which you are seeking an extension
- Upload your valid visa and entry stamp on your passport under the “Other” tab
- Processing takes 7 to 10 business days
Extension duration
- Pakistani-origin foreigners: Extension granted up to 2 years
- Other foreigners: Extension granted on a yearly basis or as per relevant rules and policies
Apply for your extension before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties and potential complications.
Common Reasons for Family Visit Visa Denial
While the family visit visa is generally straightforward, applications can be denied for several reasons:
- Incomplete documentation failing to provide required identity documents
- Insufficient proof of Pakistani origin not demonstrating the family connection
- Passport validity issues with less than 6 months remaining
- Security concerns flagged during the application review
- Resubmission deadline missed failing to respond to review requests within 7 days
- Incorrect information discrepancies between application data and passport details
If your application is denied, review the denial notice carefully, address the cited issues, and reapply through the NADRA portal.
Tips for a Successful Family Visit Visa Application
- Gather all documents before starting to avoid delays during the upload process
- Use high-quality scans of your passport and identity documents
- Ensure your photograph meets NADRA specifications check the photo guidelines
- Apply from a stable internet connection to prevent upload failures
- Keep your application ID in a safe place for tracking and reference
- Respond to review requests promptly within the 7-day window
- Check your email regularly for updates on your application status
- Apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before travel to account for processing time
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a U.S. citizen apply for a Pakistan family visit visa?
Yes, U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin can apply for a family visit visa. The application is completed entirely online through the NADRA portal. U.S. citizens without Pakistani origin cannot use the family visit category and must apply through other visa categories such as tourist or business visas.
How much is a family visit visa in Pakistan?
The family visit visa costs up to USD 70 for a 5-year validity period. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through the NADRA portal. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on your nationality.
Can I apply for a family visit visa if I am in a third country?
Yes, but you must upload proof of legal residence in the third country (such as a valid residence permit or visa) under the “Other” tab during the application process. This is a mandatory requirement for third-country applicants.
How long does it take to get a family visit visa?
Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days for most nationalities. Applicants from Afghanistan or Somalia should expect processing times of up to 4 weeks. If your application is sent back for review, the processing clock resets when you resubmit.
Can minors travel on their parents’ visa?
No. Each minor child must have their own valid visa or NICOP before traveling to Pakistan. Parents or guardians can apply for a visa on behalf of children through the NADRA portal, but each child requires a separate application and visa.
What happens if I overstay my family visit visa?
Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and restrictions on future travel to Pakistan. Overstay surcharges apply after a 2-week grace period. Apply for an extension through the NADRA portal before your visa expires to avoid penalties.
