Pakistan eVisa processing takes 7-10 working days for tourist and family visit visas, and up to 4 weeks for extensions over 6 months or for Afghanistan and Somalia passport holders. Processing times are counted in working days (Monday to Friday). If your application is sent back for review, the timer restarts from the re-submission date.
Standard Processing Times by Visa Category
The Government of Pakistan publishes official processing times for each visa category. These timelines apply to applications submitted through the NADRA portal at visa.nadra.gov.pk.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Tourist/Visit (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 (Entry/Extension) | 4 weeks |
| Business Visa | 7-10 working days |
| Family Visit Visa | 7-10 working days |
| Work Visa | 2-4 weeks |
| Study Visa | 2-4 weeks |
| Transit Visa | 5-7 working days |
These are estimates based on standard processing conditions. Actual processing times may vary depending on application volume, completeness of documentation, and security clearance requirements.
What Counts as Working Days
Processing times for Pakistan eVisa are calculated in working days:
• Working days: Monday through Friday
• Not counted: Saturdays, Sundays, and Pakistani public holidays
• Pakistani holidays include national days, religious holidays (Eid, Ramadan-related), and other government-declared holidays
For example, if you submit your application on a Friday evening, the processing clock effectively starts on the following Monday. A “7-10 working days” estimate means approximately 1.5 to 2 calendar weeks.
Factors That Affect Processing Time
Several factors can speed up or delay your application:
Factors that may cause delays:
• Incomplete or unclear document uploads
• Application sent back for review (timer restarts)
• High application volume (peak travel seasons)
• Additional security screening for certain nationalities
• Discrepancies between application and passport information
• Applying during or near Pakistani public holidays
Factors that support faster processing:
• Complete, clear, original document uploads
• Accurate personal information matching passport exactly
• Applying well in advance of travel dates
• Submitting during standard business hours (Pakistan time zone, PKT/UTC+5)
The Review Process and Its Impact on Timeline
After submission, your application goes through several stages:
1. **Submitted** – Application received and payment confirmed
2. **Under Review** – Documents and information being verified
3. **Additional Information Requested** – If more documents are needed
4. **Decision** – Approved or rejected
If your application is sent back for review (“Additional Information Requested”), you must respond within 7 days. Key rules about the review process:
• The processing time restarts from the date you re-submit
• You have exactly 7 days to provide the requested documents
• Failure to respond within 7 days results in automatic cancellation
• The visa fee is non-refundable even if the application is cancelled
To avoid delays, ensure all documents are complete and clear before your initial submission. The most common reasons for review requests are poor quality document scans, missing supporting documents, or unclear photographs.
Processing Times for Different Nationalities
Processing times can vary based on nationality due to security clearance requirements:
Standard processing (7-10 working days):
• Most List-A countries (183 countries)
• US, UK, EU, Canadian, Australian passport holders
• Most Asian, African, and South American nationalities
Extended processing (up to 4 weeks):
• Afghanistan passport holders
• Somalia passport holders
• Some nationalities requiring additional security screening
Pakistan classifies countries into List-A (183 countries) and List-B (2 countries) for processing purposes. Check the NADRA portal for the most current classification of your nationality.
When to Apply
To ensure you receive your eVisa before your travel date:
• Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure for standard processing
• Apply 6-8 weeks in advance for extended processing categories
• Avoid applying during major Pakistani holidays when government offices are closed
• Do not purchase non-refundable flights until your visa is approved
The Government of Pakistan states that “applicants must plan travel only upon receipt of a valid visa.” This means you should not book flights or make non-refundable arrangements until you have your approved visa in hand.
Tracking Your Application
You can monitor your application status through the NADRA portal:
1. Log in to your account at visa.nadra.gov.pk
2. Navigate to your application dashboard
3. Check the current status of each application
4. Look for any notifications requesting additional documents
Status updates are also sent via email. Make sure your email address is correct and check your spam folder regularly.
Expedited Processing
There is currently no official expedited or premium processing option available through the NADRA portal. The standard processing times apply to all applications regardless of urgency.
If you need to travel urgently:
• Submit your application as early as possible
• Ensure all documents are complete and accurate to avoid review delays
• Contact the nearest Pakistani embassy or consulate for guidance on urgent travel situations
• Some consulates may be able to assist with emergency cases on a case-by-case basis
Consulate-Based Processing
If you apply through a Pakistani consulate or embassy rather than the online portal, processing times may differ:
| Service | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard visa processing | 7-10 working days |
| Passport renewal (normal) | 25 business days |
| Passport renewal (urgent) | 15 business days |
| Legalization/Notarization | 7 business days |
| Legalization/Notarization (urgent) | 2 business days |
Consulate-based applications may require an in-person appointment and physical document submission. The online portal is generally faster and more convenient for most visa categories.
What Happens After Approval
Once your eVisa is approved:
• Download and print your eVisa from the portal
• Verify your visa using the online verification feature
• The visa validity period starts from the date of issue
• You must enter Pakistan within the visa validity period
• Your stay is counted from the date of arrival, not the date of visa issuance
If you do not use the visa within its validity period, it becomes invalid and you would need to apply again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does processing take?
Processing times are estimates, not guarantees. Delays can occur due to high application volume, additional security screening, incomplete documentation, or Pakistani public holidays. If your application has been under review for more than 3 weeks, check for any review requests in your portal account and email.
How long does processing take?
No, processing times are counted in working days only (Monday to Friday). Pakistani public holidays are also excluded. A 7-10 working day estimate typically translates to approximately 1.5 to 2 calendar weeks.
What are the requirements?
When an application is sent back for review, you must provide the requested additional documents within 7 days. The processing time restarts from the date you re-submit your updated application. If you do not respond within 7 days, your application is automatically cancelled and the fee is not refunded.
What is the official portal?
No, there is no expedited processing option available through the NADRA portal. All applications are processed in the order they are received using the same standard timeline.
How long does processing take?
Extensions for multiple-entry visas up to 6 months take 7-10 working days. Extensions for more than 6 months take approximately 4 weeks. You must apply for the extension while your current visa is still valid.
How do I apply?
Apply at least 3-4 weeks before departure for standard processing. For extended processing categories (4 weeks), apply at least 6-8 weeks in advance. Do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is approved.
