Ruth Haines
Pakistan has implemented an online visa system, offering business and tourist visas free of charge within 24 hours to citizens of 126 countries. Nationals of certain countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, can obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online, which allows them to obtain a visa on arrival. Indian citizens, however, face additional steps and restrictions when obtaining a Pakistani visa, and tourist visas are not available to them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries eligible for visa on arrival | Citizens of more than 60 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU countries. Nationals of 120 countries can make use of the Visa Prior to Arrival. Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE can enter visa-free for 90 days, Nepal for 30 days. Nationals of Turkey holding a valid visa for the Schengen Area, UK, or the US can obtain a visa on arrival. |
| Application process | Apply online via the Ministry of Interior's online platform at least 48 hours before the intended entry to Pakistan. |
| Documents required | ETA confirmation email (to be printed and carried). |
| Validity | 90 days. |
| Extension | Can be extended online. |
| Visa fee | Free. |
| Processing time | Within 24 hours. |
| Eligible ports of entry | Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad airports. Gwadar port. |
| Additional requirements | Submit intent to travel at least 24 hours before the planned trip to Pakistan. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Nationals of certain countries do not require a visa for Pakistan
- Indian citizens face additional visa requirements
- Citizens of 126 countries can obtain a visa pre-approval online
- Nationals of Turkey with a valid visa for the Schengen Area, UK or US can obtain a visa on arrival
- The Visa Prior to Arrival is not an actual visa
Nationals of certain countries do not require a visa for Pakistan
Nationals of certain countries do not require a visa to enter Pakistan. As of April 2025, Pakistani citizens could enter 32 countries and territories without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Nationals from 18 countries can obtain a visa on arrival in Pakistan.
Citizens of 126 countries can obtain a Visa Prior to Arrival (tourist visa) online, free of charge, within 24 hours. This includes obtaining pre-approval from the Ministry of Interior's online platform at least 48 hours before their intended entry to Pakistan. Once approved, they will receive an electronic authorisation, which allows them to travel to Pakistan and obtain an entry stamp for stays of up to 90 days with multiple entries.
Nationals of Turkey holding a valid visa for the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, or the United States can obtain a visa on arrival. Indian nationals holding American, British, or Canadian passports are also eligible to travel to Pakistan by obtaining an e-visa. However, Indian nationals are restricted in their choice of ports of entry to Pakistan and must enter and exit the country via designated points, including the Wagah border and airports in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
Exploring Airport Lounge Access After Landing
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Indian citizens face additional visa requirements
Indian citizens are required to obtain a visa prior to their arrival in Pakistan. They can apply for a visitor visa, transit visa, or tourist visa. Indian nationals holding American, British, or Canadian passports are eligible to travel to Pakistan by obtaining an e-visa through Pakistan's official e-visa portal. However, they are still subject to additional visa requirements and regulations.
Indian passport holders must have their applications cleared directly from the Ministry of Interior and are subject to mandatory police registration, regardless of visa type. They are also restricted in their ports of entry to Pakistan and must enter and exit the country through designated points, including the Wagah border and airports in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Indian nationals are generally required to use the same entry point for exit unless prior permission is obtained.
Indian residents applying for a Pakistani visa may face issues related to their religious backgrounds. The visa application process for Indian citizens has been described as lengthy, taking almost twice as long as other visas. Additionally, there have been concerns about the on-and-off government-imposed bans on travel between India and Pakistan.
To obtain a Pakistani visa, Indian citizens must submit a visa application form, available through the Interior Division or Pakistan Mission abroad, along with a valid passport with a minimum validity of one year. The visa fee is Rs. 15, inclusive of all charges. For business visas, a letter from the sponsoring company or organization in Pakistan is required, stating the purpose of the visit. The visa fee can be paid in cash at the visa counter or through a bank challan.
It is recommended to consult the Pakistan Embassy or Consulate, or utilize the services of a reputable travel agency, to ensure compliance with the latest visa requirements and guidelines for Indian citizens.
Exploring the Airport: Meeting Friends
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Citizens of 126 countries can obtain a visa pre-approval online
As of 14 August 2024, Pakistani authorities have implemented a reform of their visa policy, offering visa pre-approval online for citizens of 126 countries. This means that eligible travellers can obtain a Visa Prior to Arrival via the Ministry of Interior's online platform at least 48 hours before their intended entry to Pakistan.
The new policy was announced in late July 2024, with the aim of simplifying procedures for citizens of many countries, reducing bureaucracy and delays for tourist arrivals. The electronic visa (e-visa) is issued free of charge for tourism or business purposes, and a 90-day visa will be granted within 24 hours.
Citizens of the Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar) can obtain a visa on arrival in Pakistan by presenting a passport. Nationals of Turkey holding a valid visa for the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom or the United States can also obtain a visa on arrival.
Indian nationals holding American, British, or Canadian passports are eligible to travel to Pakistan by obtaining an e-visa. The application process is streamlined through Pakistan's official e-visa portal. Similarly, Armenian passport holders can apply for a Pakistani visa in a third country if they are legal permanent residents there.
It is important to note that visitors to Pakistan typically must obtain a visa online or from one of the Pakistani diplomatic missions. Nationals of certain countries holding ordinary passports do not require a visa for up to 90 days. This includes holders of United Nations passports and Interpol passports.
DFW Airport: A Place for Sleep?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Nationals of Turkey with a valid visa for the Schengen Area, UK or US can obtain a visa on arrival
As of 14 August 2024, the Government of Pakistan has implemented a visa policy reform. Under this new policy, citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa pre-approval, called a Visa Prior to Arrival, via the Ministry of Interior's online platform at least 48 hours before their intended entry to Pakistan. Nationals of Turkey with a valid visa for the Schengen Area, the UK, or the US are among those who can obtain a visa on arrival.
The Visa Prior to Arrival is available to citizens of 126 countries, who can obtain business and tourist visas online free of charge within 24 hours. Once approved, travellers will receive an electronic authorisation, which they must present upon arrival in Pakistan. This allows them to travel to the country and obtain an entry stamp for stays of up to 90 days with multiple entries. The eVisa is valid for a single entry for 90 days.
Holders of these eVisas can use eGates to enter Pakistan through nine airports and at Gwadar port. However, foreigners holding Visa Prior to Arrival passports are not allowed to enter through the Chamman and Torkham land routes. It is important to note that visitors from certain countries, including Turkey, may be required to register with the police upon arrival in Pakistan.
To obtain a Pakistani eVisa, Turkish citizens must hold a valid visa or residence permit from one of the Schengen countries, the UK, the US, or Ireland. Without this document, the eVisa application will not be processed. Applicants must also have an official Pakistani passport with a minimum validity of 60 days from the intended date of arrival in Turkey and at least one blank page. The Turkey eVisa allows entry and exit through any designated point.
It is recommended to apply for the Turkey eVisa well in advance and to have all the required documents ready, including a copy of the passport and flight confirmation. A valid payment method, such as a debit or credit card, is also necessary. Applicants must provide valid proof of financial means, indicating at least $50 per day of stay in Turkey, which can be shown through a bank statement.
Airport Security: Nail Clippers Allowed?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Visa Prior to Arrival is not an actual visa
As of 2025, most nationalities can only get the Visa Prior to Arrival, which is an online pre-approval to get a visa on arrival once you enter Pakistan. This pre-approval is not an actual visa, but rather an authorization to travel to Pakistan and obtain an entry stamp upon arrival. The Visa Prior to Arrival allows for stays of up to 90 days with multiple entries.
To obtain the Visa Prior to Arrival, eligible travelers must submit their intent to travel at least 24 to 72 hours before their planned trip to Pakistan. Once approved, they will receive an electronic authorization, which must be presented upon arrival. It's important to note that this pre-approval is not the same as a visa on arrival. While the Visa Prior to Arrival can be obtained online, a visa on arrival requires travelers to apply online first and then complete the process once they arrive in Pakistan.
The Visa Prior to Arrival is available to citizens of over 60 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU countries. Nationals of certain countries, such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, can even enter visa-free for up to 90 days. However, Indian citizens face additional challenges when obtaining a Pakistani visa. Tourist visas are not available to Indian citizens, but they can apply for visas to visit family and friends, conduct business, or visit religious sites. They must also enter and exit Pakistan through designated points, such as specific airports in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
It's important to note that the availability and requirements of visas can change over time, and travelers should always consult official government sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and application procedures for their specific nationality.
Bringing Food to LaGuardia Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, citizens of more than 60 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most EU countries, can obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online, which allows them to obtain a visa on arrival. Nationals of Turkey holding a valid visa for the Schengen Area, United Kingdom or the United States can also obtain a visa on arrival.
You will need to apply for an ETA online at least 72 hours before your trip, and ideally a few weeks ahead. Once approved, you will be issued an electronic authorization, which you must present upon arrival to obtain an entry stamp.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 or 90 days, with the possibility of extension.
Yes, Indian citizens need to carry out extra steps to obtain a visa for Pakistan. Tourist visas are not available, but they can apply for visas to visit family and friends, do business, and visit religious sites.
