 
 
Complete Pakistan Visa Guide 2026: Types, Requirements, Fees & Online Application Process
Planning a trip to Pakistan in 2026? This guide explains every visa type, who needs one, what documents you must upload, how much you pay, and how to apply step by step. All details come from official sources like the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS) at visa.nadra.gov.pk, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports (DGIP).
Big change for 2026: Pakistan stopped its free “Visa on Arrival” and “Visa Prior to Arrival” programs on January 1, 2026. Almost every traveler must now apply online for a paid e-Visa before flying. Plan early.
What Is the Pakistan eVisa System?
The Pakistan eVisa (also called POVS, the Pakistan Online Visa System) lets you apply for a visa from home. You fill in a form, upload your papers, pay online, and get your visa by email. You do not need to mail your passport or visit an embassy for most visa types.
The only official website is https://visa.nadra.gov.pk. The government does not work with any other site. Do not pay any other website, or you may lose your money.
When your visa is approved, you get a Visa Grant Notice by email. You print this and carry it with you. Show it at the airport when you arrive.
Who can use it? Citizens of around 190 countries can apply online. Indian and Taiwanese passport holders must apply through a Pakistani embassy instead.
Official portal: visa.nadra.gov.pk
Main Pakistan Visa Types in 2026
Pakistan offers many visa categories. Below are the ones most travelers need. Each section lists who it is for, the papers you need, how long it takes, and the cost.
A note on fees: Pakistan charges visa fees based on your nationality. Some countries pay nothing. Others pay a fee that changes with the visa type and length of stay. Because the exact number is different for each country, always check the live Fee Calculator at visa.nadra.gov.pk/fee-structure before you pay.
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa lets foreigners visit Pakistan for travel and sightseeing.
Who it is for: Travelers who want to see the country, such as the cities, valleys, and cultural sites. (Note: this visa does not cover trekking in the high mountains see the Trekking Visa below.)
Required documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months, with 2 blank pages
- A recent passport-size photo
- An invitation letter from your host, or a confirmed hotel booking
- A tour operator letter if you travel in a group
Duration and validity: Many nationalities can get a single or double-entry tourist visa for short stays (under 3 months on first entry). You can ask to extend it for up to 6 months once you are inside Pakistan.
Processing time: About 7 to 10 working days. Some applicants report longer waits, so apply 4 to 6 weeks early.
Fee: Depends on nationality. Check the Fee Calculator. Some nationalities pay no fee.
Tip: Citizens of GCC countries (like Saudi Arabia and the UAE) do not need a visa to enter Pakistan.
Business Visa
This visa is for people coming to Pakistan for trade, meetings, or investment.
Who it is for: Business owners, investors, and company staff. Pakistan grants 5-year multiple-entry business visas to businesspeople from around 96 listed countries.
Required documents:
- Passport (6+ months valid) and a photo
- Proof that the inviting company is registered (an SECP or Chamber of Commerce certificate)
- One of these: a recommendation letter from your home country’s Chamber of Commerce, an invitation letter from a Pakistani business (through the E-Business Invitation Letter System), or a recommendation letter from the BOI Honorary Investment Counselor or Commercial Attaché
Duration and validity: Up to 5 years, with multiple entries allowed.
Processing time: For countries on the Business Visa List, about 24 working hours. For other countries, up to 4 weeks.
Fee: Varies by nationality check the Fee Calculator.
Family Visit Visa
This visa is for people who want to visit family in Pakistan.
Who it is for: Foreign citizens of Pakistani origin and their spouses.
Good to know: If you or your relative are of Pakistani origin, you may qualify for a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) or NICOP. With these, you may not need a visa at all. This is the best choice if you visit often.
Required documents:
- Passport and photo
- Proof of the family relationship
- Proof of legal residence if you apply from a third country
Duration and validity: Up to 5 years, with up to 1 year of stay on each entry for citizens of Pakistani origin and their spouses.
Processing time: Up to 4 weeks (working days).
Fee: Varies by nationality.
Student Visa
This visa is for people who want to study in Pakistan.
Who it is for: Students joining a school, college, or university in Pakistan.
Required documents:
- Passport and photo
- An admission or bonafide letter from the Pakistani institution
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the right government body, such as the Higher Education Commission (HEC)
Duration and validity: A student visa can be granted for up to 2 years.
Processing time: Allow several weeks. Apply early.
Fee: Varies by nationality.
Trekking Visa
If you plan to trek in Pakistan’s mountains, you need this special visa not a normal tourist visa.
Who it is for: Hikers and trekkers heading to mountain regions like the Karakoram, including routes toward K2 Base Camp, Concordia, and the Baltoro Glacier.
Required documents:
- Passport and photo
- An invitation letter from a licensed Pakistani tour operator (one registered with the Department of Tourist Services, or DTS)
- A signed “Trekking in Restricted Area” form, uploaded to the visa portal
- A list of group members, if you travel with others
Duration and validity: Usually issued for 30 days and lets you travel across Pakistan.
Processing time: Up to 4 weeks (working days). Apply well in advance.
Important NOC for restricted zones: Many top areas (such as the K2 and Baltoro region) need a separate No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Interior. You cannot apply for an NOC yourself. A licensed tour operator must apply for you, and it can take 6 to 8 weeks. Start very early.
Ready to trek the Karakoram? Skardu Trekkers is a local team that can arrange your trekking visa invitation, your restricted-area NOC, licensed guides, and porters so you can focus on the mountains, not the paperwork. Plan your K2 or Baltoro trek with Skardu Trekkers →
Mountaineering Visa
This visa is for climbers who want to summit Pakistan’s high peaks.
Who it is for: Mountaineers climbing peaks on Pakistan’s approved list, such as K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrums.
Required documents:
- Passport and photo
- A sponsor letter or agreement with a DTS-authorized tour operator
- The name of the specific peak you plan to climb, from the approved list
- Proof of climbing experience
- A list of expedition members
Duration and validity: Set to match the length of your expedition. The climbing season runs roughly May to September.
Processing time: Up to 4 weeks (working days). The full process, with permits, can take 4 to 6 weeks or more.
Extra fees: Beyond the visa fee, climbers pay a royalty fee after the visa is granted, plus a waste management fee for some peaks. These are paid through your tour operator.
Visa on Arrival (Suspended in 2026)
Important: Both the Visa on Arrival and the free Visa Prior to Arrival programs have been suspended since January 1, 2026. As of now, there is no date for them to return.
This means you should not plan to get a visa when you land. Apply for your e-Visa online before you travel. The only past exception still noted is for certain Turkish nationals holding a valid Schengen, UK, or US visa, but you should confirm current rules before relying on this.
Other Pakistan Visa Categories
The POVS portal also handles many more visa types, including:
- Work Visa needs sponsorship from a company registered in Pakistan
- Medical Visa for treatment at approved hospitals
- Journalist Visa for media work
- Pilgrimage Visa for religious visits, including for Sikh and other pilgrims
- NGO/INGO Visa for aid and development workers
- Official and Diplomatic Visas for government travel
You can see the full list on the DGIP Visa Categories page.
How to Apply for a Pakistan eVisa: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to apply online through the official portal.
Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready
Before you start, scan or photograph everything:
- Your passport (valid 6+ months, with blank pages)
- A passport-size photo that meets the portal’s photo rules
- Your supporting papers (invitation letter, hotel booking, admission letter, etc.)
- A working credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard)
Step 2: Create Your Account
Go to visa.nadra.gov.pk and register. You will set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for security, so keep your phone or backup code handy.
Step 3: Choose Your Visa Category
Pick the right category (Tourist, Business, Family, Student, Mountaineering & Trekking, and so on). Choose Entry if you are applying for a new visa, or Extension if you are already in Pakistan with a valid visa.
Step 4: Fill In the Application Form
Enter your personal details, passport info, and travel plans. Fill in every field carefully. Mistakes can delay your visa.
Step 5: Upload Your Documents
Upload your photo and all supporting papers in the right format. Follow the portal’s photo and file rules so nothing gets rejected.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
Pay online with your card. You can check the cost first using the Fee Calculator at visa.nadra.gov.pk/fee-structure.
Step 7: Submit and Wait
Submit your application. If the office sends it back for review, you have 7 days to fix and resubmit it, or it is cancelled.
Step 8: Get Your Visa and Print It
When approved, you receive your Visa Grant Notice by email. Download it, save a copy, and print it. Carry the printout when you travel.
Pakistan Visa Fees in 2026
Pakistan does not charge one flat fee. The cost depends on your nationality, the visa type, and the length of stay.
- Reported fees for short-stay visas range from about USD 5 to USD 100.
- Some nationalities pay no fee at all but must still apply online.
- Mountaineering visas have extra royalty and waste fees on top of the visa fee.
Because the exact amount changes by country, always use the official Fee Calculator: visa.nadra.gov.pk/fee-structure. This is the only way to see your true cost.
Plan Your Pakistan Adventure
A Pakistan visa is simple once you know the steps: pick the right category, gather your papers, apply online at visa.nadra.gov.pk, pay the fee, and print your Visa Grant Notice. The biggest change for 2026 is that you must apply before you travel there is no visa on arrival.
If your trip includes the mountains, remember that trekking and climbing need special visas and permits that take time. Start early, and let local experts handle the hard parts.
Heading to the Karakoram? Skardu Trekkers arranges trekking visa invitations, restricted-area NOCs, licensed guides, and full expedition support for K2 Base Camp, Concordia, and beyond. Start planning your k2 base camp trek today →
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Pakistan still have visa on arrival in 2026?
No. Both visa on arrival and the free visa prior to arrival were suspended on January 1, 2026. You must apply for an e-Visa online before you travel.
What is the only official Pakistan visa website?
The only official site is https://visa.nadra.gov.pk. The government does not partner with any other website. Avoid all others.
How long does a Pakistan e-Visa take?
A tourist visa officially takes about 7 to 10 working days. Some people wait longer. Apply 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Do I need a special visa to trek to K2 Base Camp?
Yes. You need a Trekking Visa, not a normal tourist visa. You also need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the restricted K2/Baltoro zone, which a licensed tour operator must arrange for you.
Can I trek on a tourist visa?
No. Trekking in the high mountain zones needs a Trekking Visa and, for restricted areas, an NOC. A standard tourist visa is not enough.
How much is a Pakistan visa?
It depends on your nationality and visa type, often between USD 5 and USD 100. Some nationalities pay nothing. Check the official Fee Calculator for your exact cost.
How long is a Pakistan business visa valid?
Up to 5 years, with multiple entries, for businesspeople from listed countries.
Can people of Pakistani origin skip the visa?
Often yes. If you hold a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) or NICOP, you may enter without a visa. This is ideal for frequent visitors.
What if my application is sent back for review?
You have 7 days to correct and resubmit it. If you miss the deadline, the application is cancelled and you must start again.
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