Is a visa required for traveling to Pakistan?

Pakistan, one of Asia’s most intriguing nations, is often overlooked by mainstream tourists. However, those who do venture here praise its historical sites, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. While there are some challenges to visiting, improvements in security and visa regulations are making it more accessible.

If you’re eager for the adventure of exploring one of Asia’s hidden frontiers, away from the usual tourist paths, here’s all you need to know about obtaining a visa for Pakistan.

Who requires a visa to enter Pakistan?

Most travelers need a visa to visit Pakistan, with regulations differing based on nationality. The positive news is that a majority of the application process is now conducted online. Citizens of 192 countries can apply for a visa through the Ministry of Interior’s sometimes unpredictable visa portal. To navigate the system, registration with your passport number and email address is necessary.

Is a visa on arrival available?

Travelers from over 60 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most EU nations, can apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online. This enables them to travel to Pakistan and receive a visa upon arrival. The application process is relatively simple, but the website may experience issues, so it's advisable to apply well in advance—at least 72 hours before departure, and preferably a few weeks ahead.

Certain nationalities, including Turkish, Malaysian, and Emirati citizens, can receive a special 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. The online visa system is also available for applying for business visas and specialized visas for trekking and mountaineering groups.

What are the requirements for Indian travelers?

India and Pakistan share a complex history due to their colonial background. As a result, Indian citizens face additional steps to secure a visa for Pakistan. While tourist visas are not available, Indian nationals can apply for visas to visit family, conduct business, or attend religious sites.

The Pakistan government visa portal is inaccessible from India, so visa applications are generally processed through Pakistani embassies and high commissions. Non-resident Indian citizens should reach out to their nearest Pakistani diplomatic mission for guidance. It's important to note that Indian travelers can only enter and exit Pakistan through specific airports and land border points.

What details are required for the visa application?

During the visa application process, you’ll need to provide information about your travel history, plans, marital status, education, financial situation, and other personal details. Additionally, you’ll have to include information about your parents. Not all requested information is mandatory; a PDF guide is available to assist you in determining which sections to complete.

When applying for your ETA, you’ll need to upload scans of your passport and a recent digital passport-style photo, along with paying the visa fee using a bank card. You’ll also need to provide “supporting documents”—for independent travelers, a hotel booking confirmation will usually suffice. If you’re part of a tour, a letter of invitation from the travel agency is required. If staying with friends or family, request an invitation letter from them.

Depending on your situation, you might be required to attend an interview at the nearest Pakistan embassy or high commission (you can find information about Pakistan’s overseas missions online).

Where can I obtain a Visa on Arrival?

Visas are granted upon arrival for travelers with valid ETAs at Pakistan's major international airports, such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The process is relatively smooth—you’ll need to print your ETA confirmation email and bring it along to present to border officials for the necessary stamps.

Do not assume you can enter Pakistan by land using an ETA (including through the Attari-Wagah border crossing between Amritsar and Lahore). If you plan to enter overland, consult your local Pakistani embassy or high commission for guidance. Travelers cannot apply for an Indian visa while in Pakistan; ensure you have a valid multiple-entry visa for India if you intend to return there after visiting Pakistan.

What is the validity period of visas?

Most travelers can easily obtain three-month single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visas, while longer visas for six months or one year are available for certain nationalities. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your application date, and the ETA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, so make sure to travel to Pakistan within that timeframe.

Visa fees differ based on your nationality, the visa duration, and the number of entries. For example, British and American citizens pay US$60/90 for a three-month tourist visa (single/multiple entry), German citizens pay US$50/75, and French citizens pay US$35/52.50. Use the online fee calculator to check the fee applicable to your nationality.

Is it possible to extend my visa?

In theory, tourist visas can be extended for up to six months, but approval is not guaranteed. The optimal time to apply is a few weeks before your current visa expires, through the Ministry of the Interior. If you’re on a Visa on Arrival, you might be able to request an extension via the government’s visa portal.

Restricted areas in Pakistan

Even with a visa, certain regions of Pakistan remain off-limits to travelers unless you have special government authorization. This includes areas near the borders with China and Afghanistan, as well as districts adjacent to the Line of Control—the informal border between India and Pakistan in the contested region of Azad Kashmir.

Previously, this rule applied to many other areas in the country, but in 2019, Imran Khan’s government eased the requirement for official permission to visit places like the Swat Valley and Chitral. However, regulations are frequently changing, so it’s best to verify locally whether permission is needed at the time of your visit.

To access restricted areas, you’ll need to secure a No Objection Certificate from the Pakistan Ministry of Interior. You can download application forms online, but it may be simpler to coordinate your trip through a local tour agency that can assist with the paperwork.

Do not assume that you will easily obtain permission to travel near Pakistan’s borders. The government maintains a list of prohibited areas that are currently off-limits to certain nationalities (and may also be difficult to access for others).

Presenting your documents while in Pakistan

When traveling in Pakistan, you will need to periodically present your passport and visa at police checkposts, so make sure to carry photocopies of both. Additionally, registering with local authorities is necessary to access many areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan along the Karakoram Highway.

Travelers may also be required to have a police escort to reach certain destinations, including some regions of Sindh and southern Punjab. While having armed protection might seem concerning, this is typically a precautionary measure rather than an indication of serious danger.

That said, it’s wise to keep an eye on travel advisory notices from your home government regarding current trouble spots. If your government advises against “all travel” to a particular area in Pakistan, your travel insurance may not cover you if you choose to visit.