The Pakistan Visa Guide for Tourists

The pakistan tourist visa moved fully online in 2019 and has improved every year since. Most applicants now get a decision in under ten working days through the Pakistan Online Visa System (visa.nadra.gov.pk). This is the current state of play in 2026 and the practical steps we walk every client through.

The system in 2026

All foreign visitors apply through visa.nadra.gov.pk. The old visa-on-arrival list still exists for citizens of 50+ countries but is intermittently honoured at the airport. The e-visa is the route we recommend in every case, it removes the gamble.

Which visa you actually need

• Tourist visa, 30 or 90 days, single or multiple entry. The default for almost every traveller.
• Tourist Group visa, for organised groups of 10+ through a registered operator.
• Family visit visa, for spouses and children of Pakistani nationals.
• Business visa, separate stream; not appropriate for tourism even if you're combining a meeting.

Documents required

1. Passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date, with two blank pages.
2. Recent passport-style photo (35x45 mm, white background, taken in the last six months).
3. Confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
4. Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a registered tour operator covering your stay.
5. Day-by-day itinerary.
6. Bank statement showing sufficient funds (typically last three months).
7. For some nationalities: police clearance certificate.

Step by step

1. Create an account on visa.nadra.gov.pk.
2. Select 'Tourist Visa' and your nationality.
3. Fill the application, be exact with names, addresses, dates. Mismatches with passport data trigger rejection.
4. Upload supporting documents (PDF, under 1 MB each).
5. Pay the fee online (Visa, Mastercard or local payment methods depending on country).
6. Submit. You receive an application reference.
7. Track status through the same portal. Decision comes by email and as a downloadable PDF visa.
8. Print the visa PDF and carry it with your passport at immigration.

Timing and cost

Standard processing is 7-10 working days. Apply at least three weeks before travel for breathing room. Cost varies by nationality (USD 25-192 at time of writing; UK and US around USD 60). The fee is non-refundable on rejection.

What gets applications rejected

• Names that don't exactly match your passport (middle names matter).
• Hotel bookings that don't cover your full stated stay.
• Itinerary inconsistent with declared duration.
• Insufficient bank balance, show at least USD 100/day for your stay.
• Previous overstays or visa violations.
• Blurry or oversized document scans.

On arrival and beyond

Print your visa PDF. Have hotel bookings and a return flight to hand. Immigration is generally straightforward but can ask for evidence of itinerary. Once stamped, you can extend a tourist visa once for an additional 30 days through the Directorate of Immigration in Islamabad if needed, your operator can manage this.