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Updated March 2022
If you’re travelling to Pakistan, a valid visa is an essential document that you will need before your scheduled travel. Since last year, the Pakistani government has made it mandatory for all visa applications to be submitted via the Pakistan online visa portal. All applications will be processed online by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
Keep reading to learn more about Pakistan visa validity, visa requirements, how you can track your visa status, and how to apply for a visa to enter Pakistan.
Pakistan visa validity
Pakistan issues several visas such as tourist/visit visa, business visa, work visa, religious visa, family visit visa, study visa, medical visa and others. The online visa portal is open for visa applications for eligible citizens of 191 countries.
The validity of these visas are as follows:
Tourist/visit visa
The tourist visa is valid for up to 3 months (first-time entry) and can be extended for 6 months or more with prior approval. Mountaineering and trekking visas are valid for 3 months.
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Business visa
Generally, 5-year multiple-entry business visas will be granted to businessmen, and it is valid for multiple entries into Pakistan.
Family visit visa
The visa is for foreign citizens of Pakistani origin and their spouses to visit and stay with their family members. The family visa is valid for up to 5 years with a 1-year stay on each entry.
Work visa
Work visas are issued for multiple purposes. Those who wish to travel to Pakistan for employment purposes must make sure they have a valid job offer and meet the requirements. A Single-entry work visa can be granted for 3 months, and the extension for this visa will be available for 2 years (multiple entries).
Medical visa
Single-entry medical visas are available for a short duration of up to 3 months. Multiple-entry visas for long-term stays can be valid for a period of up to 1 year.
Student visa
Students who wish to complete their higher education in Pakistan can apply for a student visa that is applicable for 2 years.
Religious tourism visa
The religious visa consists of the following three categories:
- Tabligh visa (granted for 45 days)
- Missionary visa (valid for 1 year)
- Pilgrim visa (valid for 45 days – single entry)
Visa in your inbox
The visa in your inbox facility essentially allows travellers from specified countries to apply for their visas online and receive authorization via email. The scheme is available for the following purposes:
- Tourism: The tourist visa in your inbox is valid for 30 days. You can apply for the visa and receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to Pakistan by specifying your intent to travel and submitting the online visa application through Pakistan online visa system at least 48-72 hours before your scheduled arrival.
- Business: The business visa in your inbox is a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. You can apply for the visa and receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to Pakistan by specifying your intent to travel and submitting the online visa application through Pakistan online visa system at least 48-72 hours before your scheduled arrival. Please note that foreign nationals must apply for a business invitation letter by the concerned trade organization in Pakistan.
Foreign nationals who wish to travel to Pakistan and participate in sports, conferences, seminars or cultural events can apply for a visa for other purposes.
Before starting your visa application process, please check the 191 Countries eligible for Pakistan Online Visa.
Pakistan visa application process
Visa applicants can submit their applications for a Pakistani Visa through the online government portal. Following are the steps that need to be followed to successfully apply for a visa to Pakistan:
Step 1: Select the type of visa you wish to apply for and understand the eligibility.
Step 2: Make sure you possess all the required documents before you begin your application process; this includes a complete set of supporting documents, photographs and a valid credit/debit card for the online payment of your visa application fee.
Step 3: Once you are ready with all the requirements, you can head over to the ‘Pakistan Online Visa Portal‘ and follow the procedure outlined below:
Click on the ‘apply now’ button to launch the Pakistan Online Visa System.
- Create a new account.
- Login to the Pakistan Online Visa System.
- Complete your application.
- Pay the required fee with your credit/debit card.
- Submit your application.
For more details, please check the detailed application guide available here.
How to check Pakistan visa status
Once you have successfully applied for a Pakistan visa, your visa validity and status will be intimated by mail. The processing time for the issue of a Pakistan visa depends on the type of visa you have applied for.
In case you have any other inquiries regarding your visa status, you contact the support team of the Pakistan online visa system or submit your query at https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/contact/
Exit Permit in Pakistan
Foreign citizens who intend on exiting Pakistan and do not have a valid Pakistani visa due to visa expiry, rejection or cancellation can apply for an exit permit. Only citizens of 191 eligible countries can apply for this permit if their overstay is up to 1 year. However, foreign nationals of Pakistan origin can apply for an exit permit even if their overstay crosses the 1-year limit.
The exit permit fee may vary as per your nationality and the visa start and end date.
