Pakistan’s free Visa Prior to Arrival (VPA) program has been suspended since January 1, 2026. If you were planning to visit Pakistan using the streamlined, no-fee VPA that launched in August 2024, that option is no longer available.
Travelers from all 126 previously eligible countries must now apply for a standard paid e-Visa through the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS). Here’s everything you need to know about what changed, who’s affected, and how to get your Pakistan visa now.
What Was the VPA & Why Was It Suspended?
The Visa Prior to Arrival was Pakistan’s flagship tourism visa program, launched by the Pakistani government in August 2024 to boost international tourism. It offered citizens of 126 countries a free, multiple-entry visa valid for up to 90 days, with approvals typically issued within 24 to 48 hours.
The program was a major shift for Pakistan’s tourism policy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif framed it as a way to enhance Pakistan’s appeal for tourism and foreign investment, and it covered travelers from Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania — drawing visitors to destinations like Islamabad, Lahore, and northern areas like Hunza and Skardu.
What Happened on January 1, 2026
On the first day of 2026, the VPA option quietly disappeared from the POVS portal. No press release was issued. No official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or any other government body explained the change.
On the Pak ID mobile app (launched in February 2025), VPA options are still visible — but selecting them redirects users to a message instructing them to apply through the POVS portal “under the appropriate visa category.”
Will the VPA Come Back?
As of April 2026, there is no official information on whether the VPA program will be reinstated, revised, or replaced. The suspension remains in full effect with no indication of reversal.
Who Is Affected: Full List of 126 Countries
The VPA suspension affects travelers from 126 countries and territories across every region. If your nationality is on this list, you now need a paid e-Visa to visit Pakistan — even for short tourist trips.
Europe (42 countries)
- Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom
Africa (34 countries)
- Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
Asia (33 countries)
- Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam
Americas (13 countries)
- Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and the United States
Oceania (2 countries)
- Australia and New Zealand
How to Apply for a Pakistan e-Visa in 2026
With the VPA gone, the standard e-Visa through the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS) is now the only online option for most travelers. The process is more involved than the old VPA — expect more paperwork, higher fees, and longer wait times.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Go to visa.nadra.gov.pk and create an account
- Select your visa category (tourist, business, etc.) and fill in the application form
- Upload your supporting documents (see below)
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card
- Wait for processing — currently 7 to 20 business days
- Download your approved e-Visa from the portal
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity
- Recent passport-sized photograph (white background, taken within the last 3 months)
- Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host in Pakistan
- Travel itinerary showing your planned dates and destinations
- Bank statements from the last three months as proof of funds
- For invitation letters: the letter must be printed on Government of Pakistan stamp paper (affidavit), signed by the host/sponsor, with a copy of their CNIC and Pakistan passport
eVisa Fees & Processing Times
The biggest practical change from the VPA is cost. The VPA was completely free. The standard e-Visa now charges fees that vary by nationality and visa type.
Tourist Visa Fees by Nationality
| Nationality | Single-Entry Tourist Visa Fee | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| EU citizens | USD 35 | 3 months |
| US, Canada, UK citizens | USD 60 | 3 months |
| South/Southeast Asian nationals | From USD 20 | 3 months |
| Other nationalities | USD 35–75 (varies) | 3 months |
For the exact fee applicable to your nationality, check the POVS fee structure page. Business visas are priced separately and can cost significantly more depending on the duration and number of entries.
Fee Exemptions
Some nationalities are exempt from visa fees entirely. According to the POVS portal, no visa fee is charged for nationals of Afghanistan, China, Japan, Iceland, North Korea, Slovakia, Malaysia, UAE, and Saudi Arabia (except for work visas).
Processing Times: What to Expect
| Visa Route | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| VPA (now suspended) | 24–48 hours |
| Standard e-Visa (current) | 7–20 business days |
The jump from 1–2 days to potentially 20 business days is the most impactful change for travelers. Weekends and Pakistani public holidays are not counted, so real-world wait times can stretch to 3–4 calendar weeks.
Tips for Getting Your Pakistan Visa Approved
The e-Visa process is more demanding than the old VPA, but straightforward if you prepare properly. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls.
- Apply early: Start 4–6 weeks before travel, since processing takes 7–20 business days and resubmissions reset the clock
- Get documents right the first time: Double-check your photo, bank statements, and accommodation details before submitting; errors mean starting the wait over
- Use the official portal only: visa.nadra.gov.pk is the sole legitimate site; avoid third-party agencies charging inflated fees
- Book flights and hotels after visa approval: Wait for approval before committing to non-refundable bookings, or choose flexible fares on Wego.
Contact Support if Delayed
If your application has been pending beyond 20 business days, you can submit a query through the POVS contact page. You can also reach out to the nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get a visa on arrival in Pakistan?
No. Both the Visa on Arrival and the Visa Prior to Arrival programs have been suspended since January 1, 2026. You must apply for an e-Visa in advance through visa.nadra.gov.pk.
Is the VPA suspension temporary or permanent?
There has been no official communication from Pakistani authorities. As of April 2026, no timeline for reinstatement has been announced, and the suspension remains in full effect.
Are any nationalities still exempt from Pakistan visa fees?
Yes. Nationals of Afghanistan, China, Japan, Iceland, North Korea, Slovakia, Malaysia, UAE, and Saudi Arabia do not pay visa fees (except for work visas). They still need to apply through the POVS portal, but the application is free.
How long does the Pakistan e-Visa take to process?
Officially, 7 to 10 working days for tourist visas. In practice, some applicants report wait times of up to 20 business days. Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your travel date to be safe.
Can I apply for a Pakistan visa through the Pak ID app?
The Pak ID mobile app still shows VPA options, but selecting them redirects you to the POVS web portal. All visa applications must be submitted through visa.nadra.gov.pk.
Sources
- Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS) — Official Portal
- POVS — Fee Structure
- POVS — Tourist Visa Requirements
- POVS — How to Apply
- Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs — VPA Launch Announcement
- Fragomen — Pakistan: Suspension of Visas-on-Arrival and VPA Programs
- VisasNews — Pakistan Suspends Its Free VPA Visa for 126 Nationalities
- VisasUpdate — Pakistan Suspends VOA and VPA for 126 Countries
- Passport Index — Pakistan Suspends Free VPA for 126 Nationalities
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
