Pakistan updated its visa policy on 1 January 2026, suspending the free Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) and requiring most travellers to apply for an eVisa online before departure. This guide covers every requirement, document, fee, and processing detail you need to know for 2026.
What Changed in Pakistan’s Visa Policy in 2026?
Starting 1 January 2026, Pakistan suspended the Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) programme that previously allowed citizens of 126 countries to obtain a free visa on arrival, usually within 48 hours. Under the new regime:
- Visa on Arrival (VoA) is no longer available for most nationalities
- All travellers must apply for an eVisa online through the official NADRA portal
- Processing now takes 7-10 business days instead of the previous 48 hours
- A fee applies based on nationality and duration of stay
- A Google account is required to use Google 2FAS authenticator for the application
Exception: Citizens of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) can still enter Pakistan without a visa for up to 90 days.
Who Needs a Visa for Pakistan?
Almost every nationality needs a visa to enter Pakistan in 2026. Here is a breakdown by category:
Visa-Exempt Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa for Pakistan:
- GCC States (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) – visa-free for up to 90 days
- Maldives – visa-free for up to 30 days
- Nepal – visa-free for up to 30 days
- Holders of a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) or NICOP (National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis)
- UN passport holders – visa-free for up to 90 days
- Interpol passport holders – visa-free for up to 90 days
Nationalities That Cannot Apply Online
Citizens of the following countries cannot use the Pakistan eVisa system and must apply through a Pakistani embassy or consulate:
- India – requires Ministry of Interior clearance; no tourist visa issued (only family visit, business, transit, or religious pilgrimage)
- Taiwan – must apply through embassy channels
All Other Nationalities
Citizens of all other countries (approximately 192 nations) must apply for an eVisa online through the NADRA portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk.
Pakistan eVisa Requirements: Documents You Need
Before starting your online application, prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport – must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Pakistan
- Passport-size photograph – digital format, maximum 350KB, white background, no glasses (see the NADRA photograph tutorial for specifications)
- Hotel booking confirmation or accommodation details
- Letter of Invitation (LOI) – required for some visa categories; a signed notarised invitation letter from a host/sponsor in Pakistan with their CNIC copy, address, and telephone number
- Valid credit or debit card – for online payment of the visa fee
- Google account – required for Google 2FAS two-factor authentication on the NADRA portal
Additional Documents by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Additional Documents |
|---|---|
| Tourist/Visit | Hotel booking OR invitation letter |
| Business | Chamber of Commerce recommendation letter OR business invitation letter |
| Family Visit | Pakistani ID of family member + proof of relationship |
| Work | Employment contract + sponsor documentation |
| Student | University admission letter + proof of funds |
| Medical | Hospital referral letter + medical documents |
| Religious Pilgrimage | Invitation from religious organisation |
How to Apply for a Pakistan eVisa: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to apply through the official Pakistan Online Visa System:
Step 1: Visit the official portal
Go to visa.nadra.gov.pk and click “Apply Now.”
Step 2: Create an account
Register with your email address. You will need a Google account for 2FAS authentication.
Step 3: Choose your visa category
Select the appropriate visa type (Tourist/Visit, Business, Work, Student, etc.) and sub-category.
Step 4: Complete the application form
Fill in personal details, travel dates, passport information, and purpose of visit.
Step 5: Upload documents
Upload your passport scan, photograph (max 350KB), and any required supporting documents.
Step 6: Pay the fee
Pay using a valid credit or debit card. Fees vary by nationality and visa duration.
Step 7: Submit and wait
Submit your application. Processing takes 7-10 business days for most nationalities. Afghan and Somali passport holders should expect 4 weeks.
Step 8: Receive your eVisa
Your eVisa and all updates will be sent to your registered email address. Print a copy to carry during travel.
Important Notes on the Application Process
- If your application is sent back for review, the processing time restarts from the date of re-submission
- If you do not resubmit within 7 days of a review request, the application is automatically cancelled
- Select the correct visa category – fees are non-refundable
Pakistan Visa Fees in 2026
Pakistan visa fees are based on a reciprocal pricing structure, meaning the cost depends on your nationality. The fee structure is available on the NADRA portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk/fee-structure/.
General Fee Ranges
| Visa Category | Duration | Approximate Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist eVisa | Up to 3 months (single entry) | $20 – $100 |
| Tourist eVisa Extension | Up to 6 months (multiple entry) | $40 – $150 |
| Business eVisa | Up to 3 months | $50 – $150 |
| Work eVisa | Up to 1 year | $100 – $200 |
| Student eVisa | Duration of studies | $50 – $100 |
| Indian nationals | Any category | US$60 (fixed) |
Note: Exact fees depend on your passport nationality. Always check the official fee calculator at visa.nadra.gov.pk before applying.
Pakistan Visa Processing Time 2026
Processing times depend on your nationality and visa category:
| Applicant Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Most nationalities (Tourist/Visit up to 3 months) | 7-10 business days |
| Extension (multiple entry up to 6 months) | 7-10 business days |
| Extension (multiple entry over 6 months) | 4 weeks |
| Afghan and Somali passport holders | 4 weeks |
| Indian passport holders | Variable (Ministry of Interior clearance required) |
What Happens If Your Application Is Sent Back for Review?
If the NADRA system requests additional documents, you must resubmit within 7 calendar days. The processing clock resets from the re-submission date. Failure to respond within 7 days results in automatic cancellation.
Pakistan Visa on Arrival: Current Status (2026)
The Visa on Arrival (VoA) system has been suspended for most nationalities since January 2026. Previously, citizens of 126 countries could obtain a free VPA on arrival. This is no longer the case.
Who Can Still Get a Visa on Arrival?
- GCC country citizens (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) – visa-free entry for 90 days, no visa required at all
- Some diplomatic and official passport holders under bilateral agreements
Is There Any Exception?
No general VoA or VPA programme exists in 2026. All other travellers must apply for an eVisa online before departure. There is no option to obtain a visa at the airport.
Entry Points into Pakistan
Pakistan has 23 designated entry points for international travellers:
Airports (11)
- Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
- Jinnah International Airport, Karachi (KHE)
- Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore (LHE)
- Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar (PEW)
- Quetta International Airport (UET)
- Faisalabad International Airport (LYP)
- Multan International Airport (MUX)
- Sialkot International Airport (SKT)
- Gwadar International Airport (GWD)
- Rahim Yar Khan Airport (RYK)
- Turbat International Airport (TUK)
Land Border Crossings (7)
- Wagah (India-Pakistan) – restricted to Indian nationals and specific categories
- Torkham (Afghanistan-Pakistan)
- Chaman (Afghanistan-Pakistan)
- Taftan (Iran-Pakistan)
- Sost (China-Pakistan via Khunjerab Pass)
- Gwadar Port (maritime)
- Additional crossings at Ghulam Khan and Angoor Adda
Sea Ports (4)
- Karachi Port
- Port Qasim, Karachi
- Gwadar Port
- Pasni Fish Harbour
Railway (1)
- Samjhota Express (Wagah-Attari, India-Pakistan) – currently suspended
Note for Indian nationals: You must enter and exit Pakistan through designated points only (Wagah border, and airports in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi). You are generally required to enter and exit through the same post unless prior permission is obtained.
Passport and Document Requirements
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of arrival in Pakistan. Ensure you have at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Photograph Specifications
- Digital format, maximum file size: 350KB
- White background
- No glasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
- Recent photograph (taken within the last 6 months)
- Full face visible, neutral expression
Documents to Carry During Travel
When travelling to Pakistan, carry printed copies of:
- Valid passport
- eVisa approval email (printed)
- Hotel booking confirmation
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Letter of Invitation (if applicable)
Pakistan Visa Extension
If you are already in Pakistan and wish to extend your stay:
Tourist Visa Extension
- Eligibility: Hold a valid Pakistan visa and be physically present in Pakistan
- Duration: Up to 6 months (multiple entry) or more than 6 months
- Processing time: 7-10 business days (up to 6 months) or 4 weeks (over 6 months)
- Apply through: visa.nadra.gov.pk (same portal as initial application)
Overstay Consequences
Pakistan applies a tiered overstay surcharge system:
| Overstay Duration | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 weeks | No fine (grace period) |
| 2 weeks to 1 month | US$50 surcharge |
| 1 to 3 months | US$200 surcharge |
| Over 3 months | US$400 surcharge |
Warning: Overstaying your visa can result in detention, deportation, and a ban on future travel to Pakistan. Always apply for an extension before your visa expires.
Special Categories
Police Registration
Visitors from certain countries are required to register with the police upon arrival. In most cases, this is handled automatically by your hotel during check-in. In-person visits to police stations are only required if you do not stay in licensed accommodation.
Countries requiring mandatory police registration include Afghanistan and several other nationalities as specified by the Ministry of Interior.
Indian Passport Holders
Indian nationals face special restrictions:
- No tourist visa – only family visit, business, transit, or religious pilgrimage visas are issued
- Applications must be cleared by the Ministry of Interior
- Mandatory police registration regardless of visa type
- Entry and exit restricted to designated points (Wagah, Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi airports)
- Must generally enter and exit through the same post
- No visa extensions permitted
- Overstay fine: 40 PKR per day
- 6-month business visas with multiple entry are available
Former Indian Nationals
Former Indian nationals holding American, British, or Canadian passports are eligible for the standard eVisa process through the NADRA portal.
Afghan Passport Holders
Afghan passport holders face extended processing times of 4 weeks for both new applications and extensions. Additional documentation and security clearances may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can US citizens get a Pakistan visa on arrival in 2026?
No. Since January 1, 2026, Pakistan has suspended the Visa on Arrival system for US citizens and most other nationalities. US citizens must apply for an eVisa online through visa.nadra.gov.pk before travelling. Processing takes 7-10 business days.
How much does a Pakistan visa cost for US citizens?
Pakistan uses a reciprocal fee structure, so the exact cost depends on nationality. For US citizens, a tourist eVisa typically costs between $60 and $100 for a single-entry visa valid for up to 3 months. Check the official fee calculator at visa.nadra.gov.pk/fee-structure/ for current pricing.
Is the Pakistan eVisa system the same as the old Visa on Arrival?
No. The eVisa must be obtained before departure through the online portal. The previous Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) allowed travellers to get a visa upon landing at Pakistani airports. The VPA was suspended on January 1, 2026.
How long does it take to get a Pakistan eVisa?
Standard processing takes 7-10 business days for most nationalities. Afghan and Somali passport holders should expect 4 weeks. If your application is sent back for review, the processing time resets upon re-submission.
Do I need a Letter of Invitation for a Pakistan tourist visa?
A Letter of Invitation (LOI) is required for some visa categories but not all tourist applications. For a tourist visa, you can provide either an LOI from a host in Pakistan (with their CNIC, address, and phone number) or a hotel booking confirmation.
What happens if my Pakistan visa application is sent back for review?
You have 7 calendar days to provide the requested additional documents and resubmit. The processing time restarts from the re-submission date. If you do not resubmit within 7 days, your application is automatically cancelled and the fee is not refunded.
Can I extend my Pakistan tourist visa?
Yes. Tourist visa holders can apply for an extension through the NADRA portal while in Pakistan. Extensions of up to 6 months (multiple entry) take 7-10 business days to process. Extensions beyond 6 months take 4 weeks.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Pakistan?
Yes, and with significant restrictions. Indian passport holders cannot obtain a tourist visa – they can only apply for family visit, business, transit, or religious pilgrimage visas. All applications require Ministry of Interior clearance, and processing times are longer than for other nationalities.
Which countries are visa-exempt for Pakistan?
GCC states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Maldives and Nepal citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Holders of POC, NICOP, UN, or Interpol passports are also exempt.
Can I get a Pakistan visa at the airport?
No. As of January 2026, there is no visa on arrival option for most nationalities. All travellers (except visa-exempt nationalities) must obtain an eVisa online before departure.
Official Resources
- Pakistan Online Visa System: visa.nadra.gov.pk
- Directorate General of Immigration & Passports: dgip.gov.pk
- Fee Structure: visa.nadra.gov.pk/fee-structure/
- How to Apply Guide: visa.nadra.gov.pk/how-to-apply/
- Photograph Tutorial: Available on the NADRA portal
