Pakistan Visa for Afghan Citizens

Afghan citizens need a visa to enter Pakistan. The most convenient option is the Pakistan e-Visa, which can be applied for entirely online through the NADRA portal. This guide covers visa types, application steps, fees, required documents, entry points, and answers to the most common questions Afghan nationals have about visiting Pakistan.

Pakistan eVisa sample — Example of a Pakistan eVisa document

Do Afghan Citizens Need a Visa for Pakistan?

Yes. Afghanistan is not on Pakistan’s visa-exempt list. Afghan passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Pakistan, regardless of the purpose or duration of their visit.

The good news is that Afghan citizens are eligible to apply for a Pakistan e-Visa online. The electronic visa system, managed by NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority), eliminates the need to visit an embassy or consulate in most cases.

Key facts for Afghan nationals:

Visa is mandatory for all travel to Pakistan
e-Visa is available through visa.nadra.gov.pk
Processing time is typically 7-10 business days
A valid Afghan passport with at least 6 months validity is required

Afghanistan falls under the Non-Business Visa List (Non-BVL) category, which means standard processing timelines and fees apply.

Pakistan e-Visa Types Available to Afghan Citizens

Afghan nationals can apply for several e-Visa categories depending on the purpose of their trip:

Tourist/Visit Visa

The most common visa for Afghan citizens travelling to Pakistan for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends.

Single entry or multiple entry options
Stay duration: up to 30 days (extendable)
Validity: 3 months from date of issue
Processing: 7-10 business days

Family Visit Visa

For Afghan nationals visiting close relatives who are Pakistani citizens or legal residents.

Requires an invitation letter from the host family in Pakistan
Host must provide their CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card) copy
Stay duration: up to 90 days

Business Visa

For Afghan citizens attending meetings, conferences, or conducting short-term business in Pakistan.

Requires a business invitation letter from a Pakistani company
EBIL (E-Business Invitation Letter) system at ebil.nadra.gov.pk may be required
Stay duration: up to 90 days, with extension options up to 6 months

Medical Visa

For Afghan nationals seeking medical treatment at Pakistani hospitals.

Requires a letter from a recognised hospital in Pakistan
Stay duration based on treatment plan

Study Visa

For Afghan students enrolled in Pakistani educational institutions.

Requires an admission letter from the institution
Valid for the duration of the academic programme

Work Visa

For Afghan citizens with confirmed employment in Pakistan.

Requires sponsorship from the Pakistani employer
Processed through the Ministry of Interior

How to Apply for a Pakistan e-Visa: Step-by-Step

Afghan citizens can apply for their Pakistan visa entirely online. Here is the process:

Visit the portal – Go to visa.nadra.gov.pk
Create an account – Register using your email address. You will need a Google account for 2FA authentication
Select visa category – Choose the appropriate visa type (Tourist, Family Visit, Business, etc.)
Fill in the application form – Provide personal details, travel dates, and purpose of visit
Upload documents – Scan and upload your passport bio page, photograph, and supporting documents
Pay the fee – Pay online using a Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card
Submit the application – Review all details and submit
Wait for processing – Standard processing takes 7-10 business days
Receive your e-Visa – If approved, you will receive a Visa Grant Notice via email
Print the e-Visa – Carry a printed copy of the Visa Grant Notice when travelling

Important: Afghan citizens may be called for an interview at the nearest Pakistani diplomatic mission. Ensure your contact details are accurate so the embassy can reach you.

Pakistan Visa Fees for Afghan Citizens

Pakistan visa fees vary by nationality and are calculated on a reciprocal basis. Afghan citizens should check the exact fee using the fee calculator on the NADRA portal.

Visa Type	Typical Fee (USD)	Notes
Tourist e-Visa (30 days)	Varies	Check fee calculator at visa.nadra.gov.pk
Family Visit Visa	Varies	Fees depend on duration
Business Visa	Varies	Higher fees for longer validity
Visa Extension	Varies	Apply before current visa expires

How to check the exact fee:

Go to visa.nadra.gov.pk/fee-structure
Select Afghanistan as your nationality
Choose your visa category
The system will display the applicable fee

Payment is accepted via Visa and Mastercard debit or credit cards only.

Passport and Document Requirements

Afghan citizens must meet the following requirements when applying for a Pakistan visa:

Passport Requirements

Valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended entry into Pakistan
At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
Must be a machine-readable passport (MRP)

Documents to Prepare

Scanned copy of passport bio-data page
Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host’s address)
Return flight ticket or travel itinerary
Bank statement showing sufficient funds
Invitation letter (for family visit or business visa)
For medical visa: hospital referral letter
For study visa: university admission letter

Photograph Guidelines

White background
Taken within the last 6 months
Full face, front view
No glasses, head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
Minimum resolution: 600×600 pixels

Entry and Exit Points for Pakistan

Afghan citizens with a valid visa can enter and exit Pakistan through any of the 23 designated ports:

Airports (11)

Islamabad International Airport
Allama Iqbal International Airport (Lahore)
Bacha Khan International Airport (Peshawar)
Jinnah International Airport (Karachi)
Quetta International Airport
Multan International Airport
Shaikh Zayed International Airport (Rahim Yar Khan)
Bahawalpur Airport
Faisalabad International Airport
Gwadar International Airport
Sialkot International Airport

Land Routes (7)

Wahga (near Lahore, border with India)
Chaman (border with Afghanistan, Balochistan)
Torkham (border with Afghanistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
Taftan (border with Iran)
Sost (border with China, via Khunjerab Pass)
Gubd (Gwadar district)

Sea Ports (4)

Karachi Sea Port
Ghassbandar Sea Port
Port Bin Qasim
Gwadar Sea Port

Rail (1)

Wahga Railway Station
Khokarapar Railway Station

For Afghan citizens, the most relevant entry points are Torkham and Chaman (land borders with Afghanistan), as well as Peshawar Airport and Quetta Airport.

How Long Can Afghan Citizens Stay in Pakistan?

The allowed stay depends on the visa type issued:

Visa Type	Maximum Stay	Multiple Entry
Tourist e-Visa	30 days	Single or Multiple
Family Visit	90 days	Multiple
Business Visa	90 days (up to 6 months with extension)	Multiple
Transit	48-72 hours	Single

Overstay Rules

Pakistan enforces overstay surcharges:

Up to 2 weeks overstay: No additional fee (grace period)
2 weeks to 3 months overstay: USD 50 surcharge
3 months to 1 year overstay: USD 200 surcharge
Over 1 year overstay: USD 400 surcharge

Overstaying can result in detention, fines, and future visa bans. Always extend your visa before it expires or leave Pakistan before the allowed stay ends.

How to Extend Your Visa

If you need to stay longer than your visa allows:

Visit the nearest DGIP (Directorate General of Immigration & Passports) office
Apply for an extension before your current visa expires
Provide a valid reason for the extension
Pay the extension fee

Business visas can be extended for up to 6 months with double re-entries.

Torkham and Chaman Border Crossings

For Afghan citizens travelling overland, the two main border crossings are:

Torkham (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

The busiest crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Located on the Grand Trunk Road near the Khyber Pass
Connects Jalalabad (Afghanistan) to Peshawar (Pakistan)
Open for visa holders with valid travel documents
Customs and immigration facilities available

Chaman (Balochistan)

Connects Spin Boldak (Afghanistan) to Chaman (Pakistan)
Main crossing for southern Afghanistan travellers
Used by traders and business travellers frequently
Requires valid visa and passport

Note: Border crossing rules can change at short notice due to security situations. Always check current border status before travelling.

Afghanistan-Pakistan Travel Tips

Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Carry cash for border crossings; ATMs are available in major cities
Language: Urdu and English are widely spoken. Pashto is spoken in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
SIM card: Purchase a local SIM card on arrival for mobile data and calls
Safety: Register with your embassy upon arrival. Follow local news and government travel advisories
Restricted areas: Some areas in Pakistan require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for foreigners. Check with local authorities before travelling to remote regions
Transport: Domestic flights, trains, and buses connect major cities. Ride-hailing apps (Careem, inDrive) work in urban areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Afghan citizens get a Pakistan visa on arrival?

No, Afghanistan is not on the Visa on Arrival (VoA) list. Afghan citizens must apply for a visa in advance, preferably through the online e-Visa portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk.

How long does it take to get a Pakistan visa for Afghan citizens?

Standard processing takes 7-10 business days. During peak seasons or if additional documentation is required, it may take longer. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your intended travel date.

What is the fee for a Pakistan tourist visa for Afghan nationals?

Fees vary by nationality and visa category. Use the fee calculator at visa.nadra.gov.pk/fee-structure/ to check the exact amount. Payment is by Visa or Mastercard only.

Can Afghan citizens apply for a Pakistan visa from a third country?

Yes. Afghan citizens residing in another country can apply through the Pakistani embassy or consulate in that country, or online through the NADRA portal.

Do Afghan refugees in Pakistan need a separate visa?

Afghan refugees holding a Proof of Registration (PoR) card or holding UNHCR documentation have a separate legal status. They do not need a standard tourist visa but must maintain valid registration documents. Refugees without documentation should contact UNHCR Pakistan for guidance.

Can I extend my Pakistan visa while in Pakistan?

Yes. Visit the nearest DGIP office before your visa expires to apply for an extension. Business visas can be extended up to 6 months.

What happens if I overstay my Pakistan visa?

Overstay surcharges apply from USD 50 to USD 400 depending on duration. Prolonged overstay can lead to detention, deportation, and future visa restrictions.

Is travel insurance required for Pakistan?

While not mandatory for the visa application, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation is strongly recommended.

Can Indian-Afghan dual citizens apply for a Pakistan visa?

Indian passport holders face special restrictions and must apply through the Ministry of Interior. If you hold both Afghan and Indian passports, consult the Pakistani embassy for guidance, as Indian passport rules will apply if travelling on an Indian passport.

What are the accepted entry points for Afghan citizens?

Afghan citizens can use any of Pakistan’s 23 designated entry/exit ports, including Torkham and Chaman land borders, Peshawar Airport, Quetta Airport, and all international airports.

Official Resources

Pakistan Online Visa System: visa.nadra.gov.pk
Directorate General of Immigration & Passports: dgip.gov.pk
NADRA: nadra.gov.pk
Ministry of Interior Pakistan: interior.gov.pk
Pakistan Embassy (Afghanistan): Contact the nearest Pakistani diplomatic mission