Pakistan Visa
Though Pakistan often gets painted as a risky spot, tourism there has actually been picking up steam in recent years, welcoming around 1.9 million visitors in 2018 alone. While it’s true that Pakistan isn’t the safest destination overall, plenty of folks are flocking there to soak in its stunning natural landscapes, hit the hiking trails, and explore its rich history and religious landmarks.
Before jetting off to Pakistan, you’ll need to sort out a visa or electronic authorization. This guide will walk you through Pakistan’s visa policy and how to snag one.
Pakistan Visa Policy
Anyone looking to travel to Pakistan will need to get their hands on a visa. Thankfully, for most folks, snagging one is a breeze – many nationalities can apply online, and some can even grab one upon arrival, whether it’s for tourism or business purposes.
Here's how you can go about getting your Pakistani visa:
- Online (Pakistan eVisa)
- On Arrival (for Tourism or Business)
- At an Embassy/Consulate of Pakistan Abroad
Pakistan eVisa
To get yourself a Pakistan eVisa, you’ll need to fill out an online application on the official website. Once you’ve submitted your form, expect to wait around 48-72 working hours for a response in your inbox. In some cases, you might also need to swing by the Pakistani Embassy or Consulate in your country for an interview.
While citizens from most countries can apply for a Pakistan eVisa, there are a few exceptions.
The application process typically involves:
- Registering on the official eVisa website and hitting ‘Apply Now.’
- Receiving a Confirmation Code via email and following the link to proceed.
- Logging in and filling out the application, including passport details and the purpose and duration of your visit.
- Choosing the nearest Pakistani Embassy/Consulate and preparing to visit for an interview, if necessary.
- Answering a series of questions truthfully across six sections, then attaching the required documents.
- Paying the Pakistan eVisa fee via credit or debit card.
Pakistan Visa on Arrival
If you’re eyeing up a Pakistan Visa on Arrival for tourism or business, you’ll first need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization online, 48-72 working hours before your departure. If your ETA application gets the green light, you can head to Pakistan and submit the necessary documents at the FIA counter to snag your Visa on Arrival.
Eligibility criteria vary depending on whether you’re applying for tourism or business.
Pakistan Visa on Arrival (Tourism)
Travelers from the following countries can apply for a Pakistan Visa on Arrival for tourism.
To apply, you'll need:
- Your passport
- A passport-size photo
- Proof of accommodation in Pakistan, like an invitation letter or hotel reservation
- An invitation letter if you’re traveling with an organized tour group
Pakistan Visa on Arrival (Business) Folks from these countries can apply for a Pakistan Visa on Arrival for business:
You’ll need:
- Your passport
- A passport-size photo
- Proof of registration from the host company
- An Invitation Letter or recommendation as applicable
If You're Not Eligible for a Pakistan eVisa
If neither an eVisa nor a Visa on Arrival is an option for you, your best bet is to reach out to the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Pakistan to sort out your visa.
Duration and Extension of Pakistan Visas
Tourist eVisas are typically valid for up to three months for a single entry, with the option to extend for an additional six months. Visas on Arrival (for tourism and business) are good for a single entry of up to 30 days and can’t be extended.
Other visa types vary in duration depending on the purpose of your visit.
Types of Visas for Pakistan The variety of visas available for Pakistan includes:
- Pakistan Tourist Visa. This is the type of visa issued to foreign nationals travelling to Pakistan for tourism. It is divided into the Tourist eVisa and Tourist Visa on Arrival.
- Pakistan Business Visa on Arrival. This is a short-term visa (up to 30 days) issued to businessmen seeking to promote investment in Pakistan.
- Pakistan Business Visa. This is a 5-year multiple-entry visa issued to businessmen seeking to promote investment in Pakistan.
- Pakistan Work Visa. This type of visa is issued to foreigners who want to work and live in Pakistan.
- Pakistan Family Visit Visa. This visa is issued to the family members of Pakistan citizens. It is multiple-entry, valid for up to five years with a maximum of 1 year per entry.
- Pakistan Student Visa. For international students. This visa is valid for 2 years.
- Pakistan Journalist Visa. International journalists, travelling for work can apply for this visa, which allows them to enter Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Valid for up to three months, or until the end of the assignment for Pakistan-based media houses.
- Pakistan Talighb Visa. For Muslim foreign nationals who wish to participate in Tabligh activities. It is granted for up to 45 days.
- Pakistan Pilgrim Tourism Visa. For foreign nationals who wish to enter Pakistan to visit places which carry religious importance to them.
Pakistan Visa Fees
Visa fees for Pakistan depend on your nationality and the type of visa you’re after. For most single-entry tourist visas, expect to pay anywhere from USD 20 to USD 60.
Pakistan Visa Requirements
While the specific requirements for a Pakistan visa differ based on the type, you’ll generally need to provide:
Is Pakistan Safe to Visit?
While many countries’ travel advisories caution against trips to Pakistan due to terrorism risks, security measures have been beefed up in recent years. Areas like Islamabad present relatively low risks, but it’s still not a totally risk-free destination.
Travelers are advised to steer clear of certain areas, including:
- Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province (previously known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas)
- Balochistan province including the city of Quetta
- The part of the Karakoram Highway spanning Mansehra to Chilas, via Battagram, Besham City, Dasu and Sazin
- Areas immediately surrounding the Line of Control
- The districts of Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Lakki, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Buner and Lower Dir in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
- The city of Peshawar and its southern districts.
In other areas, it’s wise to avoid large gatherings and high-risk locations like places of worship and government facilities.
Always check your country’s travel advisory before making any travel plans to Pakistan or other potentially risky destinations.