Visa Process for Pakistan
Step by step process to secure a Pakistani Visa
Pakistan Visa Guide for Tourists & Trekkers
Everything you need to know before applying for your Pakistan tourist or mountaineering/trekking visa — straight from the official Pakistan Online Visa System (NADRA).
Getting Your Pakistan Visa: The Basics
Since January 2021, the Government of Pakistan processes all visa applications online only, through the official portal:
⚠️ Important: This is the only official visa portal. Beware of third-party sites claiming to process Pakistan visas — NADRA has no partnership with any other website.
Most travelers choose between two main categories:
- Tourist Visa — for general sightseeing and leisure travel
- Mountaineering & Trekking Visa — required specifically for travel to restricted mountain regions (e.g., K2, Gilgit-Baltistan trekking routes)
You cannot use a standard tourist visa for trekking or mountaineering in restricted areas — you need the specific trekking category.
1. Tourist Visa
A Tourist Visa allows foreign nationals to visit Pakistan for tourism and leisure purposes.
Application types:
- New Entry — if you don’t currently hold a valid Pakistan visa
- Extension — if your visa is expiring soon and you’re already in Pakistan
Who’s eligible: Citizens of most countries can apply through the online system. Citizens of GCC countries do not require a visa to enter Pakistan.
Typical documents required:
- Valid passport (usually 6+ months validity)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from a host/sponsor in Pakistan
- Return flight ticket
- Proof of funds / bank statement
- Travel itinerary (recommended)
- Employment verification letter or letter of introduction (where applicable)
Typical processing: Standard applications generally take about 7–10 working days, though this can vary and is entirely at the discretion of the Government of Pakistan.
Apply here: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/tourist-visa/
2. Mountaineering & Trekking Visa
If your trip includes trekking, climbing, or expeditions in Pakistan’s northern mountain regions, this is the visa category you need — not the standard tourist visa.
Who’s eligible: Applicants must be nationals of one of the countries eligible under the Pakistan Online Visa System.
Key documents required:
- Invitation letter from a licensed tour operator in Pakistan
- Registration letter of the tour operator
- Trekking/Expedition permit issued by the Gilgit-Baltistan Council
- Trekking-in-restricted-area form (signed and uploaded during the application)
- List of accompanying members (if traveling as a group)
- Valid passport and passport photo
Typical processing: This category generally takes longer than a standard tourist visa — often several weeks — so it’s best to apply well in advance of your planned trek.
Apply here: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/mountaineering-trekking/
Steps to Apply
1. Create an Account
2. Select the Appropriate Visa Category
3. Complete the Online Application
4. Upload the Required Documents
5. Pay the Visa Fee
6. Submit Your Application
Quick Comparison
Tourist Visa Mountaineering/Trekking Visa Best for General sightseeing, city travel, cultural tourism Trekking, climbing, expeditions in restricted mountain zones Key requirement Hotel booking / invitation letter Tour operator invitation + Gilgit-Baltistan Council permit Typical processing ~7–10 working days Several weeks — apply early Apply at visa.nadra.gov.pk/tourist-visa visa.nadra.gov.pk/mountaineering-trekking
| Tourist Visa | Mountaineering/Trekking Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | General sightseeing, city travel, cultural tourism | Trekking, climbing, expeditions in restricted mountain zones |
| Key requirement | Hotel booking / invitation letter | Tour operator invitation + Gilgit-Baltistan Council permit |
| Typical processing | ~7–10 working days | Several weeks — apply early |
| Apply at | visa.nadra.gov.pk/tourist-visa | visa.nadra.gov.pk/mountaineering-trekking |
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Go to visa.nadra.gov.pk and create an account
- Select the correct visa category (Tourist or Mountaineering/Trekking)
- Fill in personal details, travel dates, and purpose of visit
- Upload all required documents (passport, photo, invitation letter, permits, etc.)
- Pay the visa application fee online (fees vary by nationality and category — check the current fee calculator on the NADRA site)
- Wait for processing — you can track your application status in your NADRA account
- Once approved, download and print your Visa Grant Notice — this is your electronic visa and must be carried with your passport when you travel
Good to Know
- Visa issuance is entirely at the discretion of the Government of Pakistan — an application can be refused or its duration modified without a stated reason.
- If your application is sent back for review, make sure to resubmit within 7 days, or it will be automatically cancelled.
- Nationals of Nepal and the Maldives have never required a visa to enter Pakistan.
- Indian nationals apply through a separate process via Pakistani diplomatic missions rather than the online portal.
Planning a Trek or Tour in Pakistan?
Navigating visa categories, permits, and tour operator paperwork can be confusing — especially for restricted trekking zones. [Get in touch with us] for help planning your itinerary, connecting with licensed tour operators, and making the most of your trip to Pakistan.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, fees, and processing times are set by the Government of Pakistan and can change without notice. Always confirm the latest requirements directly on visa.nadra.gov.pk before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for a Pakistan e-Visa?
Citizens of eligible countries can apply for a Pakistan e-Visa through the Pakistan Online Visa System, provided they meet the applicable requirements. Applicants may be requested to attend an interview at the nearest Pakistani diplomatic mission if additional verification is required.
How do I apply for a Pakistan e-Visa?
Applications are submitted online through the Pakistan Online Visa System. Create an account, select the appropriate visa category, complete the application form, upload the required documents, pay the applicable fee, and submit your application for processing.
What types of visas are available?
Pakistan offers several visa categories, including:
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Family Visit Visa
- Transit Visa
- Student Visa
- Work Visa
- Diplomatic and Official Visas
- Visa Extension
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements before selecting a visa category.
How do I choose the correct visa category?
Choose the visa category that best matches the purpose of your visit. Selecting the wrong category may delay processing or result in your application being refused.
What documents are required for a Pakistan visa?
The required documents vary by visa category. Generally, applicants should provide:
- A passport valid for at least six months.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Travel itinerary or accommodation details.
- Proof of legal residence (if applying from a country other than your nationality).
- Additional supporting documents specific to the selected visa category.
How much does a Pakistan visa cost?
Visa fees vary according to your nationality, visa category, and duration of stay. The exact fee is calculated automatically during the online application process before payment.
How can I pay the visa fee?
Visa fees can be paid securely online using a valid Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card during the application process.
How long does visa processing take?
Most applications are processed within 7–10 working days. However, processing may take 2–3 weeks or longer depending on the visa category, application complexity, or additional security checks.
Can I track the status of my application?
Yes. After submitting your application, you can log in to your account on the Pakistan Online Visa System to monitor its status and respond to any requests for additional information.
What happens if additional documents are requested?
If the visa authorities request further information or supporting documents, you should respond promptly. Failure to reply within the specified timeframe may result in your application being cancelled.
Should I book my flights before receiving my visa?
No. It is strongly recommended that you wait until your visa has been approved before purchasing non-refundable airline tickets or making other non-refundable travel arrangements.
What travel document will I receive after approval?
If your visa application is approved, you will receive a Visa Grant Notice by email. Print a copy and carry it along with your passport when travelling to Pakistan.
Applicants eligible for Visa on Arrival will receive an Electronic Authorization to Travel (ETA). The ETA authorizes travel to Pakistan but is not the visa itself. The visa is issued upon arrival after verification by immigration authorities.
Can I apply for a Visa Extension online?
Yes. Visitors who are legally staying in Pakistan on a valid visa may apply online for a visa extension through the Pakistan Online Visa System, subject to eligibility and approval.
Can I submit more than one visa application?
Only one active visa application can be submitted per passport at any given time. However, you may submit separate applications for different travellers using the same online account.
Do accompanying family members need separate visa applications?
Yes. Every traveller, including children and accompanying family members, must submit an individual visa application. Listing accompanying travellers on your application does not automatically apply for a visa on their behalf.
Can children apply for a Pakistan visa?
Yes. Children require their own passport and separate visa application. A parent or legal guardian may complete the application on their behalf.
Is travel insurance required?
Although travel insurance is not mandatory for most visa categories, it is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and unexpected travel disruptions.
Can my visa application be refused?
Yes. Approval is at the discretion of the Government of Pakistan. Applications may be refused if the information provided is incomplete, inaccurate, or does not meet the visa requirements.
What should I do if my passport expires before travelling?
Your passport should remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into Pakistan. If you renew your passport after submitting your application, you may need to submit a new visa application.
How can I contact the Pakistan Online Visa support team?
If you require assistance, you can contact the Pakistan Online Visa support team through the official online contact form available on the visa portal.
Where can I find official application guides and support material?
The Pakistan Online Visa System provides several helpful resources, including:
- Step-by-step Application Guide
- Photograph Specifications
- Document Upload Instructions
- Visa Categories and Eligibility
- Fee Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Terms and Conditions