Pakistan eVisa is available online for citizens of 192 countries through the official NADRA portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk. The electronic visa system allows tourists, business travelers, and family visitors to apply from home without visiting an embassy. Processing takes 7-10 working days, with single-entry visas valid for up to 3 months.
What Is the Pakistan eVisa?
The Pakistan eVisa is an electronic travel authorization issued by the Government of Pakistan through its Online Visa System managed by NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority). Since January 1, 2021, all visa applications for Pakistan must be submitted online through the official portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk.
The system replaced the previous embassy-based application process, making it significantly faster and more convenient for international travelers. Applicants can submit their documents, pay fees, and receive their visa entirely online without visiting a consulate or embassy in person.
Pakistan currently offers eVisa services to nationals of 192 countries. Citizens of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries do not require a visa to enter Pakistan for certain categories.
Who Needs a Pakistan eVisa?
Almost all foreign nationals need a visa to enter Pakistan. The exceptions include:
• Citizens of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) for certain visa categories
• Holders of diplomatic and official passports from countries with bilateral agreements
• Transit passengers who remain in the airport transit area
For everyone else, a valid eVisa or traditional visa is required before travel. The type of visa depends on the purpose of your visit – tourism, business, family visit, work, study, or transit.
Pakistan eVisa Categories
The Pakistan Online Visa System offers several visa categories to match different travel purposes:
| Category | Purpose | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist/Visit | Tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends | Up to 3 months (single entry) |
| Business | Business meetings, conferences, trade | Up to 1 year (multiple entry) |
| Family Visit | Visiting Pakistani-origin relatives | Up to 6 months (multiple entry) |
| Work | Employment in Pakistan | Up to 2 years |
| Study | Educational purposes | Up to 2 years |
| Transit | Passing through Pakistan | 72 hours |
| SIFC | Investment through Special Investment Facilitation Council | Varies |
| Official/Diplomat | Government assignments | Varies |
Each category has specific eligibility criteria, required documents, and fee structures. Tourist and business visas are the most commonly applied categories by international travelers.
How to Apply for a Pakistan eVisa
The application process is straightforward and can be completed in 30-60 minutes if you have all documents ready:
1. Visit the official portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk
2. Create an account with your email address
3. Select your visa category and sub-category
4. Fill in the application form with personal and travel details
5. Upload required documents (passport scan, photograph, supporting documents)
6. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card
7. Submit the application and wait for processing
You can track your application status through the portal. If additional documents are required, you will receive a notification and must respond within 7 days or the application will be cancelled.
For a detailed step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to apply for a Pakistan eVisa.
Pakistan eVisa Requirements
All applicants need the following basic documents:
• A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• A recent passport-size photograph in digital format
• Supporting documents depending on visa category (hotel booking, invitation letter, business recommendation, etc.)
• A valid credit or debit card for online payment
Additional requirements vary by visa type. For example, tourist visa applicants need either a hotel booking or an invitation letter, while business visa applicants need a recommendation from their country’s Chamber of Commerce or an invitation from a Pakistani business organization.
For a complete list of documents by category, see our detailed Pakistan eVisa requirements guide.
Processing Time
The standard processing time for Pakistan eVisa applications is as follows:
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Tourist (Individual up to 3 months) | 7-10 working days |
| Extension (Multiple entry up to 6 months) | 7-10 working days |
| Extension (Multiple entry over 6 months) | 4 weeks |
| Afghanistan and Somalia passport holders | 4 weeks |
Processing times are counted in working days (Monday to Friday). If your application is sent back for review, the processing time restarts from the date of re-submission.
For more details on timelines and delays, visit our processing time guide.
Pakistan eVisa Fees
Visa fees vary by nationality, visa category, and duration. The fee structure is set by the Government of Pakistan and is non-refundable. For US passport holders, typical fees include:
| Visa Type | Single Entry | Up to 1 Year Multiple | Over 1 Year Multiple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Visit | $60 | $90 | $120 |
| Work/Business | $100 | $150 | $200 |
| Transit | $30 | – | – |
Fees must be paid online during the application process using a credit or debit card. For a complete breakdown of fees by nationality and category, see our Pakistan eVisa fees and cost guide.
Validity and Duration of Stay
The Pakistan eVisa grants the following stay durations:
• Single Entry Tourist Visa: Valid for up to 3 months from the date of issue
• Multiple Entry Tourist Visa Extension: Valid for up to 6 months or more than 6 months
• Business Visa: Can be granted for up to 5 years (multiple entry) for business-friendly countries
• Study Visa: Valid for up to 2 years
The period of stay counts from the date of arrival in Pakistan. You must enter Pakistan within the visa validity period; otherwise, the visa becomes invalid.
Important Tips for Applicants
• Only apply through the official portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk – the government does not take responsibility for applications submitted through other websites
• Upload original supporting documents only – faxed, photocopied, or emailed documents are not accepted
• Select the correct visa category at the time of application, as it cannot be changed later
• Plan your travel according to the processing timelines – do not purchase non-refundable tickets before receiving your visa
• Keep your login credentials safe for tracking and future applications
• Respond to any review requests within 7 days to avoid automatic cancellation
Online Verification
Once your visa is approved, you can verify its authenticity through the online verification feature on the NADRA portal. This allows airlines and immigration officials to confirm your visa status electronically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pakistan evisa system available?
Yes, the Pakistan eVisa system is available to citizens of 192 countries. You can apply from anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access and the required documents. However, some nationalities may have additional requirements or restrictions.
How long does processing take?
Standard processing takes 7-10 working days for most tourist and family visit visas. For applicants from Afghanistan and Somalia, processing takes approximately 4 weeks. Extensions for stays longer than 6 months also take 4 weeks.
Are fees refundable?
No, visa fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements and submit complete documentation before paying.
What is the official portal?
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension through the NADRA portal while you are in Pakistan. Extensions are available for multiple-entry visas up to 6 months or more than 6 months. You must hold a valid Pakistani visa at the time of the extension application.
Is entire application process required?
No, the entire application process is online. You submit your application, upload documents, pay fees, and receive your eVisa electronically through the NADRA portal. No physical visit to an embassy or consulate is required.
What are the requirements?
If your application is returned for review, you must provide the requested additional documents within 7 days. The processing time will restart from the date of re-submission. If you fail to respond within 7 days, your application will be automatically cancelled.
