Pakistan offers several visa categories to accommodate different purposes of travel. Whether you are visiting for tourism, business, study, medical treatment, or family visits, the Pakistani government provides a structured visa system managed by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGI&P) under the Ministry of Interior. Most applicants can apply online through the NADRA eVisa portal, while others must visit a Pakistani embassy or consulate.
This guide explains every Pakistan visa type, who qualifies, how long each visa is valid, and what documents you need.
Overview of Pakistan Visa Categories
In 2024, Pakistan consolidated its previous 18 visa categories into 11 streamlined types. The current categories are:
| # | Visa Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tourist / Visit Visa | Sightseeing, leisure travel, visiting friends and family |
| 2 | Visa in Your Inbox | Electronic travel authorization for tourism or business |
| 3 | Family Visit Visa | Visiting relatives of Pakistani origin |
| 4 | Business Visa | Commercial activities, meetings, trade |
| 5 | Work Visa | Employment, domestic aide, journalism |
| 6 | Study Visa | University enrollment, religious studies |
| 7 | Religious Tourism | Tabligh, missionary work, pilgrimage |
| 8 | Official / Diplomatic Visa | Government officials, diplomats |
| 9 | NGO / INGO Visa | Non-governmental organization work |
| 10 | Medical Visa | Healthcare treatment in Pakistan |
| 11 | Other | Miscellaneous purposes |
Tourist / Visit Visa
The Tourist Visa is the most common visa type for travelers entering Pakistan for sightseeing, leisure, or visiting friends and family. Pakistan Missions abroad are authorized to grant a Visit or Tourist Visa with three months validity, a three-month stay, and double entry to citizens of approximately 190 eligible countries.
How to Apply
You can apply for a Pakistan Tourist Visa through the online eVisa system at visa.nadra.gov.pk. The process involves:
- Creating an account on the NADRA portal
- Completing the online application form
- Uploading your passport scan, photograph, and supporting documents
- Paying the visa fee by credit or debit card
- Waiting 7 to 10 business days for processing
- Receiving your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) by email
Tourist Visa Requirements
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Flight itinerary or travel plan
- Hotel booking or letter of invitation
- Completed online application
Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) in Pakistan can extend tourist visas up to a maximum of six months, including the initial visa period. For northern areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan, the Deputy Commissioners in Gilgit and Skardu can grant three-month extensions with one re-entry.
Business Visa
Pakistan grants business visas to foreign nationals engaged in commercial activities, trade meetings, conferences, and investment-related travel. The country maintains a Business Visa List (BVL) of 96 countries whose citizens benefit from expedited processing.
Key Features
- Validity: Up to 5 years with multiple entries
- Processing time: Within 24 hours for BVL countries
- Visa on Arrival: 30-day business visa available for BVL nationals
Required Documents
Applicants must provide at least one of the following:
- Recommendation letter from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of their country
- Invitation letter from a Pakistani business organization, recommended by the relevant trade body
- Recommendatory letter from the Honorary Investment Counselor of the Board of Investment or a Commercial Attache
BVL Countries
The 96 Business Visa List countries include major economies such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, China, Japan, Canada, Australia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and many others spanning all continents.
Work Visa
The Work Visa is required for foreign nationals seeking employment in Pakistan. This category also covers domestic aides and journalists.
Work Visa Entry
- Issued for up to 3 months with a single entry
- Processed by Pakistan Missions abroad within 48 hours
- Security clearance is not required for the initial entry visa
Work Visa Extension
- Extendable up to 2 years with multiple entries
- Requires security clearance from agencies within 30 days
- A recommendation letter from the Board of Investment (BOI) is mandatory
Required Documents
- Passport and photographs
- Employment agreement
- Company undertaking on letterhead
- Applicant CV
- Covering letter from the company
- Company profile and SECP registration
- BOI recommendation letter (for extensions)
Study Visa
Foreign students admitted to Pakistani educational institutions can apply for a Study Visa. The visa is granted after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Education, the Economics Affairs Division, or the Ministry of Health, along with security clearance.
Key Features
- Entry visa issued for 2 years with a single entry
- Extendable for additional periods based on continued enrollment
- Covers both conventional universities and Deeni Madaris (religious seminaries)
Required Documents
- Standard visa documents, passport copy, and photographs
- Admission or bonafide letter from the institution
- NOC from the concerned Pakistani ministry
- NOC from the student’s home country
Diplomatic and Official Visa
Diplomatic and Official visas are issued to foreign government officials, diplomats, and holders of diplomatic or service passports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles these visas.
Key Features
- Issued free of charge (gratis) for the duration of the diplomatic or official assignment
- Processing time: approximately one week
- Security clearance required for additional diplomatic slots
- Reciprocal visa exemption agreements exist with many countries for diplomatic and official passport holders
Holders of United Nations passports and Interpol passports can enter Pakistan without a visa for up to 90 days.
Medical Visa
Pakistan introduced a dedicated Medical Visa for foreign nationals seeking healthcare treatment at Pakistani hospitals.
Short-Term Medical Visa
- Single entry, valid up to 3 months
- Covers individuals, family members, and attendants
- Processed within 48 hours by Pakistan Missions abroad
- No security clearance required, though intimation is sent to ISI, IB, and FIA
Extended-Term Medical Visa
- Multiple entry, valid up to 1 year
- Approved by the Ministry of Interior within 30 days
- Requires security clearance
- Patients must receive treatment at hospitals enlisted by the Ministry of National Health Services
Required Documents
- Standard visa documents, passport copy, and photographs
- Letter from the hospital where treatment will take place
Family Visit Visa
The Family Visit Visa is available to foreigners of Pakistani origin and their foreign spouses. Pakistan Missions abroad are authorized to grant this visa with five years validity and one year stay, with multiple entries.
Key Features
- Processing time: 7 to 10 working days
- Extendable on a yearly basis within Pakistan
- No security clearance required for initial issuance
Holders of a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) or National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) do not need a visa at all and can enter Pakistan freely.
NGO and INGO Visa
Foreign nationals working with registered Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) in Pakistan require this visa category.
Key Features
- Short-term visa: up to 1 month, granted by embassies
- Long-term visa: requires the NGO to be registered with the Government of Pakistan
- Extensions handled by the Ministry of Interior through Regional Passport Offices
Religious Tourism Visa
Pakistan’s Religious Tourism category covers three sub-types:
Tabligh Visa
- Issued for 45 days
- For members of the Tableeghi Jamaat engaged in preaching activities
Missionary Visa
- Valid for 1 year with two re-entries
- For Christian missionaries working in Pakistan
- Requires prior approval from the Ministry of Interior
- Extendable for two years with two re-entries per year
Pilgrimage Visa
- Available to Sikh pilgrims holding foreign passports (except Indian)
- Valid for a fortnight
- Covers visits to Lahore, Nankana Sahib (Sheikhupura), and Punja Sahib (Rawalpindi/Hasan Abdal)
- Hindu and other religious pilgrimage visas are also available under this category
Visa-Free Entry
Nationals of certain countries do not need a visa to enter Pakistan:
Ordinary Passports (up to 90 days)
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Ordinary Passports (up to 30 days)
- Maldives
- Nepal
These exemptions are based on bilateral agreements and may change. Always verify current requirements before traveling.
Visa in Your Inbox (Visa on Arrival)
The “Visa in Your Inbox” system, formerly known as Visa on Arrival, allows eligible travelers to receive electronic authorization before departure. You apply online through the NADRA portal and receive approval by email. Upon arrival in Pakistan, you present the electronic authorization at the immigration counter for passport stamping.
This option is available for both tourism and business purposes and covers citizens of many countries. Check the NADRA portal for your specific eligibility.
Special Rules for Indian Passport Holders
Indian nationals face additional regulations when applying for a Pakistan visa:
- Applications must be cleared by the Ministry of Interior
- Tourist visas are not issued to Indian passport holders
- Eligible visa types include visit, business, transit, and pilgrimage only
- Mandatory police registration regardless of visa type
- Entry and exit must occur through designated ports: Wagah border, and airports in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi
- Indian nationals must typically enter and exit through the same border post
- Business visas are granted for 6 months with multiple entries
Visa Extensions
If you need to stay in Pakistan longer than your visa allows, you can apply for an extension through the NADRA online portal or at a Regional Passport Office while still in the country. Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties. Overstay charges apply at a rate set by the government.
Tourist visas can be extended up to a maximum of six months including the initial period. Work visas can be extended up to 2 years. Study visas are extended on a yearly basis.
Required Documents for All Visa Types
While specific requirements vary by category, all Pakistan visa applications generally require:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Completed application form
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Supporting documents specific to the visa category
- Payment of applicable visa fees
How to Apply
The primary application method for most visa types is the Pakistan Online Visa System operated by NADRA at visa.nadra.gov.pk. The portal requires a Google account for two-factor authentication.
Steps to Apply Online
- Visit visa.nadra.gov.pk and create an account
- Select your visa category and fill out the application
- Upload required documents
- Pay the fee online
- Wait for processing (7 to 10 business days for most categories)
- Receive your ETA or visa approval by email
- Print the ETA and carry it with your passport when traveling
Applicants from certain nationalities may be required to attend an interview at the nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of visas are available for Pakistan?
Pakistan offers 11 main visa categories including Tourist, Business, Work, Study, Medical, Family Visit, Diplomatic, NGO, Religious Tourism, and others. Most can be applied for online through the NADRA portal.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Pakistan?
Yes, through the Visa in Your Inbox system. Eligible travelers apply online before departure and receive electronic authorization. Upon arrival, the visa is stamped at immigration. This is available for tourism and business purposes for citizens of many countries.
How long does it take to get a Pakistan visa?
Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Business visas for BVL country nationals can be processed within 24 hours. Entry work visas are processed within 48 hours.
Do I need a visa if I have a Pakistan Origin Card?
No. Holders of a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) or NICOP can enter Pakistan without a visa regardless of their passport nationality.
Which countries are visa-exempt for Pakistan?
Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Citizens of the Maldives and Nepal can enter for up to 30 days without a visa.
Can Indian citizens get a Pakistan tourist visa?
No. Indian passport holders are not eligible for tourist visas. They can apply for visit, business, transit, or pilgrimage visas through the Ministry of Interior with additional security clearance requirements.
What is the difference between an eVisa and a Visa in Your Inbox?
Both are applied for online through the NADRA portal. The eVisa is a standard electronic visa approved before travel. The Visa in Your Inbox (formerly Visa on Arrival) provides electronic authorization that is stamped upon arrival at a Pakistani port of entry.
Can I extend my visa while in Pakistan?
Yes. Most visa types can be extended through the NADRA portal or at Regional Passport Offices. Tourist visas can be extended up to 6 months, work visas up to 2 years, and study visas on a yearly basis.
