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Updated August 2024
Pakistani citizens intending to explore India must secure an Indian visa to enter the land of rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes. The visa serves as a gateway necessitating meticulous documentation and adherence to specific guidelines.
From tourist to business visas, each category carries distinct requirements, paving the way for a seamless and memorable travel experience across the border. Keep reading to find the detailed account Wego offers about the different types of Indian visas for Pakistani citizens.
Table of Contents
India visa for Pakistanis
India does not issue tourist visas to Pakistani nationals, which means entry to India would depend on the nature of their visit. Those looking to travel to India for essential, business, or religious purposes may apply for the relevant visa as facilitated by the Indian government.
To check for the latest flights from Pakistan to India, visit our dedicated article:
Indian visa for Pakistan types and requirements
The range of Indian visa types available to Pakistani citizens reflects the diverse purposes for travel, encompassing leisure, business, education, and more. These visa options cater to various needs, allowing individuals to embark on journeys that align with their objectives and enhance cross-border interactions.
Assignment visa
These visas are exclusively granted to holders of diplomatic/official passports assigned to the High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi. Unless specific reciprocal agreements dictate otherwise, a three-month single-entry assignment visa is issued.
Officials and diplomats, including their family members, are required to submit the following:
- Their passports (with one set of passport photocopies)
- A Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad
- A printed and signed online visa application form along with two photographs
On the other hand, diplomats or officials from foreign accredited Missions, UN, and International Organizations seeking assignment visas should provide the following, along with two copies of the duly filled and signed visa application form containing a photograph:
- Include a Note Verbale detailing the officer’s diplomatic role, posting duration, Indian location, department, predecessor’s name (in case of replacement posting), and expected joining time
- For new postings, attach a copy of the NOC from India’s Ministry of External Affairs’ Protocol Division for the individual’s new position
- A copy of the Diplomatic/Non-Diplomatic ID card issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Any other necessary forms applicable in specific cases.
For further information regarding the necessities for an assignment visa alongside the online application form, click here.
Business visa
Any legitimate businessperson intending to travel to India upon invitation from a business contact or representing a valid business entity or multinational corporation can apply for a business visa. These applicants should earn a minimum of PKR 500,000 annually, or their company should generate over PKR 30,00,000 in sales yearly.
If your yearly income exceeds PKR 5,00,000 or your company’s annual turnover surpasses PKR 30,00,000, you are eligible for a one-year business visa allowing visits to up to five destinations, four times a year.
Alternatively, if you are a businessperson earning at least PKR 50,00,000 or your company’s turnover exceeds PKR 3,00,00,000, you qualify for a one-year multiple-entry business visa. This visa covers up to ten destinations and includes an exemption from Police Reporting.
The following documents should accompany your business visa application:
Documents from India:
- Invitation letter from a registered Indian company/firm or an Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, specifying visited cities and visit duration
- Any two of these documents from the Indian invitee: passport (preferred), copy of electricity bill, telephone bill, ration card, voter identity card, with address and contact details
- Optional recommendation letter from a prominent Chamber of Commerce in India
- Optional copy of Letter of Credit/correspondence with the registered company/firm in India
Documents from Pakistan:
- Copy of Income Tax return/audited accounts/bank statement from the last two years to demonstrate gross annual sales/turnover exceeding PKR 30,00,000 or individual annual salary exceeding PKR 5,00,000.
- Letter from the Pakistani company/firm detailing the applicant’s information, designation, and purpose of visit
- Copy of NADRA Card with English translation, notarized
- Copy of utility bill (electricity, gas, landline telephone) as address proof
- Optional copy of Chamber of Commerce membership certificate from Pakistan
- Valid Polio Vaccination Certificate
For further information regarding the necessities for a business visa alongside the online application form, click here.
Conference visa
This visa is issued for attending seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and conferences upon specific invitations.
To apply for a conference visa, submit these documents:
- Invitation letter with the names of all invitees from the event organizers in India, including their contact information, venue, and date of the event
- Any two of these documents from the Indian invitee: passport (preferred), copy of electricity bill, telephone bill, ration card, voter identity card, with address and contact details
- Copy of NADRA Card with English translation, notarized
- Copy of utility bill (electricity, gas, landline telephone) as address proof
- Valid Polio Vaccination Certificate
Additionally, provide one of the following:
- For government employees: Letter from the Department Head or clearance from the relevant Government authority
- For private sector employees: Letter from the Organization detailing designation, service duration, and address
- For self-employed: Copy of the business establishment registration by the Government of Pakistan with English translation.
For further information regarding the necessities for a conference visa alongside the online application form, click here.
Journalist visa
Accredited journalists are eligible for a journalist visa in order to cover events or take part in seminars, conferences, or exhibitions in India. It’s important to note that journalists must specifically apply for a journalist visa, even if their visit has elements of tourism or social visits.
Required documents to be submitted along with the online visa application form include:
- An invitation letter from the event organizers or media house in India. This letter should clearly state the journalist’s name, address, contact details, and the specific event or occasion to be covered.
- Any two of the following documents as proof of address for the Indian invitee: passport (preferred), copy of electricity bill, telephone bill, ration card, voter identity card, with clear mention of the address and contact details.
- An introduction letter from the journalist’s media house, detailing their designation, length of service, and address.
- A copy of the NADRA Card, along with its English translation and notarized copy of the translation.
- A copy of a utility bill (electricity, gas, landline telephone) as address proof.
- Valid Polio Vaccination Certificate.
Medical visa/medical attendant visa
Individuals seeking medical treatment in India can apply for a medical visa, and an accompanying person can apply for a medical attendant visa. The following documents are required:
For medical visa:
- Letter of appointment for medical treatment from a recognized hospital or treatment center in India. This letter should include the doctor’s details, address, contact information, and details of the treatment.
- Medical records and diagnostic reports indicating the diagnosis and recommendation for treatment abroad.
- Copy of the NADRA Card along with its English translation and notarized copy of the translation.
- Valid Polio Vaccination Certificate.
- A utility bill (electricity, gas, landline telephone) as address proof.
- Affidavit from organ donor (if applicable), attested by Pakistan Foreign Office.
For medical attendant visa:
- The medical attendant’s name should be explicitly mentioned in the appointment letter from the hospital in India.
- Same documents as listed for Medical Visa (except for the organ donor affidavit).
Official visa
Official visas are provided to diplomatic or official passport holders for official travel to India. The necessary documents include:
- Invitation letter from India.
- Note Verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad, indicating travel dates and event details.
- Copy of the NADRA Card along with its English translation and notarized copy of the translation.
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, landline telephone) as address proof.
- Valid Polio Vaccination Certificate.
For official visa applications by accredited mission diplomats:
- Invitation letter from India.
- Note Verbale from the accredited mission, including travel details and purpose.
- Copy of Diplomatic/Non-Diplomatic ID card and Valid Visa.
- Valid Polio Vaccination Certificate.
Pilgrim visa
For pilgrim groups visiting Indian religious destinations, a group pilgrim visa is issued. Required documents include:
For individual applicants:
- Vopy of the NADRA Card along with its English translation and notarized copy of the translation.
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, landline telephone) as address proof.
- Valid Polio Vaccination Certificate.
For group leader:
- Invitation letter from Indian organizers, including contact details and itinerary.
- Any two of the following documents from the Indian invitee: passport (preferred), utility bills, etc.
- Letter from the organizing entity in Pakistan.
- A complete list of applicants at least 45 days prior to the proposed visit in this format is enclosed as well as emailed to [email protected].
- Photographs of each applicant.
Student visa
For those intending to study in Indian academic institutions, a student visa is necessary. The documents required are:
- Admission letter from a recognized and approved academic institute in India.
- Evidence of financial ability to support study and living expenses (Bank Statement).
- Copy of the NADRA Card along with its English translation and notarized copy of the translation.
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, landline telephone) as address proof.
- Valid Polio Vaccination Certificate.
Transit visa
Transit visas are available for those with connecting flights through Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai airports. Documents required are:
- Valid air ticket indicating transit details.
- Copy of the NADRA Card along with its English translation and notarized copy of the translation.
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, landline telephone) as address proof.
- Valid Polio Vaccination Certificate.
Visitor visa
If you plan to visit India to meet relatives and friends or for a legitimate purpose upon their invitation, you’ll be granted a visitor visa. Those with a visitor visa are expected to stay with their relatives or friends during their visit to India.
A visitor visa demands the submission of the following documentation for its application:
Documents from India:
- Sponsorship Certificate: (for any one place to be visited) This certificate should also be countersigned by any of the following Indian government officials (DM/ SP/SDM/ Tehsildar/ BDO/ SHO/ Groups A officer of State and Central Government/ Principal of a Government college and Principal/headmaster of a Government School), who will certify that they personally know your Indian sponsor. A suitably attested Sponsorship certificate by the designations mentioned above is mandatory for all visitor visa cases.
- The Indian government official should also attach a self-attested copy of their photo identity card, his/her contact number (landline preferable), and the sponsorship certificate
- Any two of these documents of the Indian invitee: Passport (preferred), copy of electricity bill, telephone bill, ration card, election card, clearly mentioning the address and contact numbers
The Indian sponsor providing a sponsorship certificate should promptly share a copy of it with the relevant FRRO after sending it to the Pakistani visa applicant. It is advisable for the attesting officer, intended place of visit, and FRRO to be in the same location.
Documents from Pakistan:
- Copy of NADRA Card along with its English translation and the translated copy should be notarized.
- Copy of any one utility bill, such as an electricity bill/gas bill/landline telephone bill (as address proof)
- Valid Polio Vaccination Certificate.
- In case you are employed, any one of the following:
- Government employees: A letter from the Head of the Department or copy of the clearance received from the competent Government authority.
- Private sector employees: A letter from the Organization giving the details of designation, duration of service and address of the applicant.
- Self-employed: A copy of the registration of the business establishment by the Government of Pakistan with English translation.
Indian visa for Pakistan application
For Indian visa applications, the High Commission in Islamabad does not directly receive them. TCS Visatronics and Gerry’s International Visa Drop Box act as intermediaries. They collect applications, review documents, and provide preliminary scrutiny.
Corresponding to your respective city, you can visit the TCS Visatronics and Gerry’s International Visa Drop Box offices to submit your Indian visa application from Pakistan. Refer to the official website that states the names of cities and the addresses where these centers are available. Besides, certain centers also offer help with filling out online application forms for an additional cost.
Incomplete applications are not accepted. The High Commission solely decides on visa issuance. You must contact them for inquiries or if the response from intermediaries is inadequate. Visa approval is at the High Commission’s discretion; application acceptance doesn’t guarantee issuance.
Please note that all visa applications are deposited and returned only through the courier services used for submitting the application. The High Commission will not accept any passport sent through the courier company directly in the name of the Visa Section, High Commission of India.
Indian visa for Pakistan fees
Tourist visa:
Up to 1 year/single or multiple entry: PKR 28,190
More than 1 year and up to 5 years/multiple entry: PKR 56,380
Business visa:
Up to 1 year/single or multiple entry: PKR 33,830
More than 1 year and up to 5 years/multiple entry: PKR 70,480
Conference/seminar visas:
Up to 6 months/single (or multiple) entry: PKR 22,550
Journalist visa:
Up to 6 months/single entry (or Double Entry with HOM’s approval): PKR 22,550
Medical visa/medical attendant visa:
Up to 6 months/single or multiple entry: PKR 22,550
Pilgrim/missionary visa:
Up to 6 months/single or multiple entry: PKR 22,550
More than 6 months and up to 1 year/multiple entry: PKR 33,830
More than 1 year and up to 5 years/multiple entry: PKR 56,830
Student visa:
Valid for the duration of the course or 5 years, whichever is less/multiple entry: PKR 22,550
Transit Visa:
Up to 15 days/single or double entry: PKR 5,640
For more details on various visa fee categories, consult the India High Commission’s official website.