Pakistan Online Visa for Afghanistan: The Complete Application Guide
Afghan citizens applying for a Pakistan visa: the official online system, the documents you need, the fee exemption, realistic processing times, and the mistakes that get applications rejected.
Last updated: 11 October 2026
Visa Fee for Afghans
Typical Processing
Passport Validity Needed
Visa Entry Validity
Official Portal Only
Countries on the System
Application
How to Apply: Step by Step
Pakistan’s visa process runs through the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS) at visa.nadra.gov.pk — the only legitimate application site, operated by NADRA for the Directorate General of Immigration & Passports.
Create your account
Register on visa.nadra.gov.pk with a valid email address. Keep your login safe — all communication about your application comes through the portal.
Fill the form completely
Select your visa category and complete every field — fields marked (*) are mandatory, and the data is verified by the relevant departments. Do not leave columns blank.
Upload original documents
Upload a photo (up to 200 KB, white background, full face, no hat or sunglasses), your passport bio page, and supporting documents per your category. Only originals — no faxed, photocopied or emailed documents.
Submit & track
Afghan nationals pay no fee (except work visas). Submit, note your tracking ID, and monitor the portal. If documents are rejected, resubmit within the given window — the application is cancelled if you don’t resubmit within 7 days.
Checklist
Documents Checklist
Have these ready before you start the form — incomplete applications are the top cause of delays.
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport | Original, valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date |
| Photograph | Electronic, up to 200 KB, white background, full face, no hat/helmet/sunglasses |
| Invitation / booking | Invitation letter from your host in Pakistan (hosts must certify responsibility for you) or confirmed hotel booking |
| Supporting documents | Per category — e.g. family visit proof, business credentials, medical papers |
| Payment method | Valid debit/credit card (only needed for fee-bearing categories like work visas) |
Cost & Time
Fees & Processing Times
The good news first: the fee. The honest news second: the wait.
Afghans pay no visa fee
Afghanistan is on Pakistan’s fee-exemption list alongside China, Japan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and others: no visa fee for visit, tourist, family or business categories. Work visas are the exception and carry a fee. Visa fees are non-refundable and charged per person where they apply.
Expect about four weeks
The portal quotes 7–10 working days for standard tourist visas, but Afghan (and Somali) passport holders are given around four weeks. In practice, complex cases can take longer — apply 6–8 weeks before travel. All visas are valid for entry for 6 months from the date of issue; an unused visa lapses after that, and a fresh visa is only issued after the previous one expires.
Note: Pakistan’s Visa on Arrival and Visa Prior to Arrival programmes were suspended on 1 January 2026. There is no arrival visa — you must hold an approved e-visa before travelling.
Categories
Visa Types for Afghan Applicants
Choose the category that matches your real purpose — the wrong category is a common rejection reason.
Visit / family visa
For visiting relatives or friends in Pakistan. Requires the host’s invitation letter with their CNIC copy and an undertaking of responsibility.
Tourist visa
For sightseeing. Requires hotel bookings or a tour operator’s confirmation and a travel plan. Single entry, typically up to 30 days’ stay.
Business visa
For meetings and commercial visits. Requires a company invitation letter and business credentials on both sides.
Medical visa
For treatment in Pakistani hospitals — a major category for Afghan applicants. Requires hospital appointment confirmation and medical reports.
Work visa
The one category where Afghans do pay a fee. Requires an employment contract and employer sponsorship documents.
Student visa
For study at Pakistani institutions. Requires an admission letter and proof of fee payment or scholarship.
Avoid
Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
Most rejections are avoidable. These are the patterns consular staff see again and again.
Using agents or fake sites
visa.nadra.gov.pk is the sole legitimate portal. Third-party “visa agents” charging fees for a free Afghan application are scams — and submitting through them risks your data and your application.
Photocopies and faxes
Only original supporting documents are accepted — no faxed, photocopied or emailed documents. Upload clean scans of originals.
Blank fields
Every mandatory field must be completed; the data is cross-verified by government departments. Gaps trigger queries or rejection.
Booking travel first
Wait for approval before committing to non-refundable flights and hotels — or book flexible fares. Processing can stretch past the official timelines.
FAQ
Pakistan Visa for Afghans: FAQs
Short answers to the most searched questions.
Is the Pakistan visa free for Afghan citizens?
How long does a Pakistan visa take for Afghans?
Where do I apply for a Pakistan visa from Afghanistan?
Can Afghans get a visa on arrival in Pakistan?
What if my Pakistan visa application is delayed?
Do Pakistanis need a visa for Afghanistan?
More Pakistan Travel Guides
Visas, passports and travel essentials — in the Pakistan Tourism archive.
Visa policy changes frequently. Confirm current requirements, fees and processing times on visa.nadra.gov.pk before applying — this guide reflects policy as of October 2026.